Accession Number:

AD0625721

Title:

NUCLEAR RADIATION AS A GUIDANCE TOOL. PHASE I. SHORT-RANGE ALL-WEATHER FORMATION CONTROL.

Descriptive Note:

Foundational research phase rept.,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER JOHNSVILLE PA AERO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY DEPT

Personal Author(s):

• Wilcox,G. E.

Report Date:

1965-12-13

Pagination or Media Count:

19.0

Abstract:

Several effective helicopter formation control methods were devised, using a gamma radiation source on the leading craft as a guide beacon. The maximum practical range is 1000 feet, limited only by the strength of source, which could be increased at additional potential hazard to maintenance personnel. The accuracy of signal rises rapidly as the range decreases, providing an excellent collision-avoidance capability under all-weather daynight conditions. One such device was built into an aircraft-type chassis and will be operated in the dynamic environment of a helicopter for final evaluation. Author

Descriptors:

• (*HELICOPTERS
• GUIDANCE)
• (*GUIDANCE
• GAMMA RAYS)
• (*GAMMA RAYS
• BEACONS)
• (*BEACONS
• HELICOPTERS)
• ALL WEATHER AVIATION
• AVIATION SAFETY
• FORMATION FLIGHT
• AIRBORNE

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE