Hover Craft Office

Outline of Model Tests

Due to the high cost of full-scale development model tests are generally performed. The purpose of these tests are to estimate the over-all characteristic of the craft, and are to evaluate the craft design.
In this way, two dimensional and three dimensional model test and three dimensional scale model test are carried out. Two dimensional model test is performed to obtain internal flow characteristic, basic cushion pumping effects, exact shape of the skirt section and so on, and is carred over a ground board. On the other hand, two dimensional skirt models are tested over a range of yaw angles and speeds in the towing tank to examine skirt behaviour and its resistance. Three dimensional model test is performed to determine the static performace of the complete lift and skirt system. Fan powers, flows and pressure distributions are normally measured.
In addition to the above, fully representative scale models of complete craft are used to determine the following:

1. Static hovering behaviour involving the pitch and roll stiffnesses, response to forced oscillations in pitch and heave, etc,.

2. Calm water resistance, rise height, trim and pitch stiffness at forward speed in the hover and the variation of drag forces and moments with yaw angle in both hovering and boating modes.

3. Overwave resistance and response in both regular and irregular head seas.

4. Beam-on characteristics both at constant speed and under deceleration with a following wind represented.

5. Free flight behaviour during normal maneuvering and following simulated control system or engine failures.

We have produced radio control models to estimate the characteristics metioned above such as maneuvering characteristics, static stability characteristics, dynamic behaivours, power requirements, skirt behaviours, sealing characteristics, and so on.
Now, we introduce three of these models as follows. One of these models which used when amphibious type hovercraft "Aquajoy" was developed. The others used when ACC type hovercraft was developed.

Test Model 1....1/30/'97

Test Model 2....1/30/'97

Test Model 3....1/30/'97

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