Continued |
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The following data presents some averages of the observed ski
takeoffs and landings at each gross weight condition:
In
the formal flight test report dated February 26, 1958, the task force test
team made the following conclusions: |
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a. |
The
aircraft and skis performed satisfactorily under the conditions encountered. |
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b. |
The
skis and the ski system could be maintained in the field by an operational
unit. |
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c. |
On
the snow conditions encountered during the course of the test, the nose
steering was ineffective and could only be used as an assist. Asymmetric power
was necessary to maneuver the aircraft during taxiing. |
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d. |
The
ski down-and-locked indicator system was unsatisfactory. |
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e. |
The
normal ski positioning system would not jack the aircraft at gross weight above
108,000 lbs. |
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f. |
The
internal structure of the skis, at the station just forward of the wheel cut
out area, would be damaged under loads imposed during certain landing
conditions on rough bare ice. |
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g. |
The configuration of the RATO mounting hooks and latches was unsatisfactory. |
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h. |
Water formed by condensation in the hydraulic reservoirs could freeze and cause the ski selector valves to malfunction. |
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i. |
Use of eight RATO bottles decreased required takeoff distance by about 40%. |
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j. |
The use of maximum propeller reversing just after touchdown on all landings resulted in an average landing distance of 1250 feet for all gross weight conditions. |
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Because of unusually mild climatic conditions at Bemidji that year, the snow cover on the lakes during all the testing was thin and remained fairly constant regardless of the operating area chosen. The snow consisted of one medium hard layer of dry crystals and varied in depth from 3 to 5 inches. Consequently, a decision was made to continue further testing by Task Force Slide on the Greenland Ice Cap. |
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