Ski jump : launching into the 21st century

In the late 1970’s the United Kingdom began a program to increase the takeoff performance of the British Aerospace Harrier aircraft. A upwardly inclined, curved ramp was developed over which the aircraft would travel during takeoff. The device is referred to as a ski jump ramp. Technology demonstrations of the ski jump ramp takeoff concept were followed by flight test programs on land and aboard ships.

This thesis begins with an historical overview of the development and demonstration of the ramp assisted takeoff concept. Results of ski jump launch flight tests conducted with short takeoff and landing (STOL) and conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft and the benefits realized are discussed. Current STOL aircraft operations from ships equipped with ski jump ramps are discussed along with applications for CTOL aircraft. Ramp design considerations relevant to aircraft structures, flight characteristics, and aircrew are presented. This thesis is concluded by considering future concepts for the utility of ramps for improving takeoff performance and operational capabilities of military aircraft.

Now is the time to adopt a new strategy for our carrier fleet; a strategy that provides smaller carriers in larger quantities and lower cost. The next generation aircraft carrier should be smaller, more affordable, and offer increased operational flexibility. The ski jump technology provides a means to achieve required takeoff performance without relying on large catapult systems that consume large amounts of energy. Plans to build another NMITZ Class carrier should be suspended until CVX studies are completed. All operational LHA and LHD amphibious assault ships in the U. S. Navy should be retrofitted with ski jump ramps with variable exit angles to accommodate the current and foreseeable future inventory of U. S. Navy and Marine Corps STOVL aircraft.