1036. Applications for the Air Cushion Landing System
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Paper
Abstract
The Air Cushion Landing System (ACLS) operates basically on the same ground effects
principle as air cushion vehicles, utilizing a layer of air in lieu of wheels as the
ground contacting medium. A large elliptical shaped ‘trunk’ resembling an elongated
inner tube encircles the bottom of the fuselage. The bottom of this trunk has a large
number of vent holes through which air passes to form the air cushion. When not in use
as a landing system, the elastic trunk automatically retracts snuggly against the fuselage.
Due to the very low ground overpressure, the ACLS permits aircraft to operate routinely
from unprepared surfaces such as dirt, snow, swamps, mud and even water. The project is a
50/50 joint development effort between Canada and the USAF. Canada is providing a modified
deHavilland Buffalo aircraft, USAF designation -XC-8A. The USAF is providing the ACLS and
performing the majority of the flight tests.
