Aerodynamic Design Problems of Jet Lift V.T.O.L Aircraft: Selection of a Suitable Stability and Control System and Effects of Flow Interaction

The stability and control systems adopted by the Bell Aircraft Corporation and for the Short S.C.1 are discussed with reference to efficiency, and the importance of low loss nozzle systems is emphasized. The form of auto‐stabilization and its application to the aircraft control system are to sonic extent governed by the operating requirements of the V.T.O.L. aircraft. Lift engine intake problems and the interaction effects of the airflow passing through the lift engines on the airframe as a whole are considered at length, along with ground effects and novel model testing techniques. The author concludes that much model and full‐scale research is still needed to investigate further the many problems which remain and which can critically affect the feasibility of projects for operational use.