Accession Number:

AD0768373

Title:

Feasibility Study for an Inflatable Bow Ramp

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 11 Sep 1972-21 Jun 1973

Corporate Author:

BIRDAIR STRUCTURES INC BUFFALO NY

Personal Author(s):

• Reitmeier, George F.
• Punnett, Milton B.
• Phillips, John W.

Report Date:

1973-06-21

Pagination or Media Count:

273.0

Abstract:

The report describes a feasibility study for developing an inflatable bow ramp for the 1179 Class LST. The ramp must be 110 ft. long, 16 ft. wide, and carry the maximum loads imposed by an M103 tank. Ten possible conceptual configurations were investigated with a more detailed design analysis effort being concentrated on two of the concepts. The ramp will be constructed of a two ply neoprene fabric and inflated with an inflation system separate from ship air supply. A scale model of one concept was built and tested which verified design calculations.

Descriptors:

• *EXPANDABLE STRUCTURES
• *SHIP STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
• *LANDING CRAFT
• *AMPHIBIOUS OPERATIONS
• EXTENDABLE STRUCTURES
• SYNTHETIC RUBBER
• CONFIGURATIONS
• FEASIBILITY STUDIES
• LOADS(FORCES)
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• PRESSURIZATION

Subject Categories:

• Marine Engineering
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE