THE DESIGN OF AIR CUSHION VEHICLE AUTOMATIC AND SEMI-AUTOMATIC CONTROLS

The report presents a practical technique for designing automatic and semi-automatic quickened control systems for air cushion vehicles ACVs. these systems have been designed to minimize a major problem in ACV control, vehicular sideslip. General equations of five degrees of freedom of ACV dynamic operation are included from which a mathematical model can be derived this derivation is also included. The design technique is valid for most vehicle configurations and examples of its application are included for three different control methods. The quickened concept is explained and results of its usage are included. Analog computer data is presented for turning maneuvers at the operating conditions for which the systems were designed as well as at off- design points. From the study that preceded this report it was concluded that an automatic, or a quickened, control system for an ACV offers distinct advantages over conventional manual control, particularly in minimizing sideslip and establishing and maintaining a command heading.