Post by Keith Heitmann on Oct 17, 2002 10:46:48 GMT -5
 | By Michael A. Dornheim/Aviation Week & Space Technology 15-Oct-2002 11:56 AM U.S. EDT Boeing Phantom Works is studying a giant 500-ft.-span "Pelican" cargo aircraft that would cruise in ground effect but be capable of flying above 20,000 ft. over land, carrying up to 2.8 million lb. of cargo. The project is an internal study for long-range transoceanic transport and is being promoted as an idea for the Army's Advanced Mobility Concepts Study, set for release in April. The Pelican could meet the Army's goals of deploying one division in five days, or five divisions in 30 days, anywhere in the world, said John Skorupa, senior manager of strategic development for Boeing Advanced Airlift and Tankers. The Pelican could carry 17 M-1 main battle tanks. "It is much faster than ships at a fraction of the operational cost of current airplanes," said Pelican program manager Blaine Rawdon. Exploiting ground effect to reduce drag, the Pelican is sized to carry 1.5 million lb. for 10,000 naut. mi. over water. This drops to 6,500 naut. mi. out of ground effect over land. The company says wing area would be greater than an acre, which is 43,560 sq. ft. Maximum takeoff weight is 6 million lb. Though much of a flight might be spent 20 ft. above the sea, the aircraft is not a seaplane. It would land on conventional runways with 76 wheels to distribute its weight. The outer half of each outer wing panel folds up to provide clearance on the ground. The angle of fold may vary--a minimal amount for takeoff and landing, and up to about 90 deg. for other ground operations to reduce ramp space requirements. Once airborne, the tips would fold fully down to their inflight position, and fold up again for landing. Details of this inflight folding mechanism have yet to be determined. |
