Investigation of an Integrated Aircrew Escape/Rescue System Capability (AERCAB).
Report Number: AFFDL TR 68-159
Author(s): Manzuk, Robert J., Peck, Walter R., Yost, Charles A., Duncan, James W., Braunlich, E. A.
Corporate Author(s): Stencel Aero Engineering Corp Arden NC
Laboratory: Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1969-01
Pages: 378
Contract: F33615-68-C-1461
DoD Project: 6065
DoD Task: 606509
Identifier: AD0860590
Abstract:
A concept was investigated whereby aircrewmembers are given a capability to aid in their own rescue subsequent to emergency ejection from their mission vehicle. The self-rescue capability was achieved by way of integrating a parawing into the ejection-seat escape system to provide an aerodynamic-lift generating surface, and also a twin-turbofan jet engine to provide propulsion for gaining altitude and departing from the emergency site toward a safe area for liason with allied forces. The escape/rescue system analyses concluded that in the conventional ejection/recovery mode of operation the AERCAB provides a survival capability surpassing that of currently in-service systems. In the self-rescue mode, AERCAB is capable of flight at 10,000 feet (MSL) over a distance of fifty nautical miles at airspeeds approaching 100 knots. The system is manually controllable in both powered and unpowered flight, and it appears feasible to incorporate an automatic homing flight control system. AERCAB is shown capable of adverse weather operation in powered flight provided suitable protective clothing is worn by the occupant. Under all emergency circumstances, the aircrewman using AERCAB retains the capability to descend to terrain level with his personnel parachute. A detailed preliminary design study was accomplished, and it is shown that the system is retrofittable in the existing crewstations of the A-7 and F-4 aircraft with only minor modifications thereto. The investigative program resulted in the generation of specific operational and design criteria for an integrated aircrew escape/rescue system capability; operational and performance limits thereof were defined; and it was analytically shown that the AERCAB concept is feasible, and merits continued study, experimental testing, and development. A full-scale system mockup was prepared during the program, and delivered to the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory integrated in a simulation of the A-7 crewstation.
Provenance: Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control
Author(s): Manzuk, Robert J., Peck, Walter R., Yost, Charles A., Duncan, James W., Braunlich, E. A.
Corporate Author(s): Stencel Aero Engineering Corp Arden NC
Laboratory: Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory
Date of Publication: 1969-01
Pages: 378
Contract: F33615-68-C-1461
DoD Project: 6065
DoD Task: 606509
Identifier: AD0860590
Abstract:
A concept was investigated whereby aircrewmembers are given a capability to aid in their own rescue subsequent to emergency ejection from their mission vehicle. The self-rescue capability was achieved by way of integrating a parawing into the ejection-seat escape system to provide an aerodynamic-lift generating surface, and also a twin-turbofan jet engine to provide propulsion for gaining altitude and departing from the emergency site toward a safe area for liason with allied forces. The escape/rescue system analyses concluded that in the conventional ejection/recovery mode of operation the AERCAB provides a survival capability surpassing that of currently in-service systems. In the self-rescue mode, AERCAB is capable of flight at 10,000 feet (MSL) over a distance of fifty nautical miles at airspeeds approaching 100 knots. The system is manually controllable in both powered and unpowered flight, and it appears feasible to incorporate an automatic homing flight control system. AERCAB is shown capable of adverse weather operation in powered flight provided suitable protective clothing is worn by the occupant. Under all emergency circumstances, the aircrewman using AERCAB retains the capability to descend to terrain level with his personnel parachute. A detailed preliminary design study was accomplished, and it is shown that the system is retrofittable in the existing crewstations of the A-7 and F-4 aircraft with only minor modifications thereto. The investigative program resulted in the generation of specific operational and design criteria for an integrated aircrew escape/rescue system capability; operational and performance limits thereof were defined; and it was analytically shown that the AERCAB concept is feasible, and merits continued study, experimental testing, and development. A full-scale system mockup was prepared during the program, and delivered to the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory integrated in a simulation of the A-7 crewstation.
Provenance: Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control