TABLE OF CONTENTS In addition to the conventional wheel-type landing gears, many unortho-dox types have been developed with the objective of improving a particular characteristic. Probably the most sought-after characteristic is to make the aircraft independent of runways. Hereil presents an excellent overview of such developments prior to 1955 in Ref. [1].
Runway independence is still a military priority, since neither general warfare nor low-intensity conflicts necessarily occur in close proximity to paved runways. This is particularly important on transport aircraft that must carry troops and supplies as close as possible to the battlefront. Evidence of USAF interest in runway independence is manifest in its 1986 contract award for the study of a cargo aircraft ground mobility system. This system will be capable of being "strapped on" current aircraft, enabling them to take off from extremely soft surfaces such as marshes, to land over tree stumps, and to taxi over ditches.
[1]Hereil, G., "Making Aeroplanes Independent of Runways," Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Vol. 59, June 1955, pp. 381 414.
Past unorthodox designs generally encompass skids, skis, tracks, and air cushions. The Wright Brothers were the first to use skids; they used them for landing, while the aircraft used a roller and trolley system for takeoff a system that was emulated by the French S.E.5000 Baroudeur in more recent years. Skids have also been used for many years in an attempt to reduce aircraft weight. Germany was particularly active in their use during World War II. Their...
