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AN INVESTIGATION OF VTOL OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS DUE TO DOWNWASH EFFECTS

Richard R. Pruyn, Leonard Goland

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Abstract

Abstract : Operational problems of VTOL type aircraft caused by downwash effects were investigated utilizing a 3500 horsepower engine and a 15 ft diameter propeller mounted on a 20 ton crane. Results are presented for various propeller disc loadings up to 60 pounds per square foot, for several types of terrain and for various propeller heights and orientation above the terrain. The effects on pilot vision, ground personnel, equipment, aircraft and on aircraft concealment are presented. The effects of downwash were found to be a major operational problem which co ld limit the operational utility of VTOL aircraft.

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What this paper is about

Abstract : Operational problems of VTOL type aircraft caused by downwash effects were investigated utilizing a 3500 horsepower engine and a 15 ft diameter propeller mounted on a 20 ton crane. Results are presented for various propeller disc loadings up to 60 pounds per square foot, for several types of terrain and for various propeller heights and orientation above the terrain. The effects on pilot vision, ground personnel, equipment, aircraft and on aircraft concealment are presented. The effects of downwash were found to be a major operational problem which co ld limit the operational utility of VTOL aircraft.

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Available abstract

Abstract : Operational problems of VTOL type aircraft caused by downwash effects were investigated utilizing a 3500 horsepower engine and a 15 ft diameter propeller mounted on a 20 ton crane. Results are presented for various propeller disc loadings up to 60 pounds per square foot, for several types of terrain and for various propeller heights and orientation above the terrain. The effects on pilot vision, ground personnel, equipment, aircraft and on aircraft concealment are presented. The effects of downwash were found to be a major operational problem which co ld limit the operational utility of VTOL aircraft.

Key concepts: Downwash, Propeller, Terrain, Marine engineering, Aerospace engineering, Engineering, Ground effect (cars), Aeronautics

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