Continued

 

 

The following data presents some averages of the observed ski takeoffs and landings at each gross weight condition:

 

Gross Weight (lbs)

Takeoff Distance (ft)

Landing Distance (ft)

89,000

1,190

1,170

107,000

1,480

1,160

108,000

1,670

1,170

109,000

1,720

1,310

122,000

2,440

1,385

 

 

RATO Takeoffs

 

88,000

850

 

107,000

950

 

122,000

1,460

 

In the formal flight test report dated February 26, 1958, the task force test team made the following conclusions:

 

 

 

a.

The aircraft and skis performed satisfactorily under the conditions encountered.

 

 

 

 

b.

The skis and the ski system could be maintained in the field by an operational unit.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

d.

The ski down-and-locked indicator system was unsatisfactory.

 

 

 

 

e.

The normal ski positioning system would not jack the aircraft at gross weight above 108,000 lbs.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

g.

The configuration of the RATO mounting hooks and latches was unsatisfactory.

 

 

 

 

h.

Water formed by condensation in the hydraulic reservoirs could freeze and cause the ski selector valves to malfunction.

 

 

 

 

i.

Use of eight RATO bottles decreased required takeoff distance by about 40%.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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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