The Characteristics and Problems Associated with V/S.T.O.L. Operations Available to Purchase

A study of the main parameters to be resolved for civil V/S.T.O.L. aircraft, the necessity for all weather operation, the airport requirements and the competition from other forms of transport. FROM a choice of a wide range of V/S.T.O.L. applications, this paper is concerned with the civil aircraft aspects. It deals with the main parameters to be studied in resolving V.T.O.L. and S.T.O.L. aircraft characteristics, the weighting of these toward favourable performance and to meeting the proposed certification rules for this form of transport. The part to be played by electronics in all weather operations is also discussed. Competition from surface transport, and V/S.T.O.L. airport requirements are referred to, and some general characteristics of the many different aircraft configurations are discussed. Some conclusions are reached suggesting the direction and weighting of future work.