Boeing-Vertol Floating Wing Fuel Tanks for Helicopter Range Extension

[hesham]

Hi,

Who can collect the pieces ?.

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD0248517.pdf

 

[yasotay]

At first glance it would appear to be a concept for extending the range of helicopters, likely for long distance deployment while providing lift offset.
Thank you for finding this.

 

[Nik]

Was this a sorta captive-glider / 'auxiliary wing' with sufficient lift to mostly support its fuel tanks in forward flight ??

Sorry, I cannot quite visualise the makings from the set of drawings...

 

[riggerrob]

Looks like it would only work for rolling take-offs from long, hard-surfaced runways. Great for the start of a long-range flight, but rapidly diminishing in utility the closer you get to the enemy, especially if you can only land vertically on rough terrain when on the battlefield.

 

[edwest4]

If the fuel tanks could be jettisoned as it approached enemy territory, it could work. Of course, the helicopter would need to land in friendly territory nearby to refuel and then move on to a second refueling point, again, in a friendly region, on its way back.

 

[yasotay]

I would see it more functional toward deployment over long distances where they are then removed and stored as opposed to a combat system.