Operation and evaluation of an experimental hovercraft for Antarctic use

Abstract

In this report are reviewed the operating procedures and test results of an experimental hovercraft that was tested during 8 years at Japan's Syowa Station Antarctica. A small size-2.8t-experimental hovercraft was unloaded near Syowa Station in January 1981 and left there for testing of performance, maneuverability and maintenance requirements until it was decommissioned in February 1990. The dominant environmental feature affecting reliable hovercraft operation was ingestion of snow into the engine. The ingestion of cooling air had to be restricted because snow clogged the air filters and blocked the engine radiator. To cross a tide crack, the crack had to be filled with snow before the craft was towed by a snow vehicle. This situation interfered with the simple operation and maintenance of the experimental hovercraft. A test program was carried out to evaluate the maneuverability of this craft. It was found that the yaw response of this craft was very sensitive under certain ice conditions. Digital simulation of motion was attempted to understand the craft's response to steering. The operation of the experimental hovercraft was evaluated from the viewpoint of support and survey for scientists' activities in the Antarctic. For this purpose, specifications of a hovercraft, parking and storage that are feasible at Syowa Station are proposed.