Seakeeping Characteristics of a Preliminary Design for a Sea Loiter Aircraft

Abstract : A model of a proposed sea loiter aircraft has undergone experiments in the hullborne model at various headings to regular and random waves. The principal goal of the investigation was to provide data for evaluating the habitability characteristics of this concept. The results will also be used to validate computer predictions. Transfer functions are presented in this report, as are plots and tables of standard deviation values and significant values of vehicle response in a seaway. The effect on motions of varying model weight, and the effectiveness of damping plates in reducing motions are discussed. In general, neither of these is found to significantly alter the unusual transfer functions obtained for this craft. The motions of a buoy, whose configuration was selected to provide wave surface following characteristics, and which was also subjected to waves in the towing tank, are discussed in an appendix. (Author)