Helicopter-Towed Air Cushion Logistic Vehicles

[Grey Havoc]

A 1975 study carried out for the ONR, titled 'FEASIBILITY STUDY OF HELICOPTER-TOWED AIR CUSHION LOGISTIC VEHICLES'.

A feasibility study of a helicopter-towed air cushion logistic vehicle
(ACLV) was performed. The scope of the study encompassed movement
of loaded LASH system lighters on unmanned air-cushion platforms
from an off-shore ship onto a sand beach in support of amphibious
assault operations. Motive power is to be provided by towing with
RIF-53 helicopter.

 

[Bill Walker]

There was similar research and testing carried out in the late 1960s, for towing an ACV for both ice breaking and delivering stuff to shore across ice. (I'm away from my notes right now, so I'm working from memory.) I remember a very dramatic photo
of a civil BV107 at an uncomfortable nose down angle towing an ACV across ice. I always felt this helicopter attitude would be a big limit to this system, I wouldn't want to have an engine failure or break a tow cable in such a situation.

Found it. Thank you Google.