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An evaluation of the historical issues associated with achieving non-helicopter V/STOL capability and the search for the flying car

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

B. Saeed
Affiliation:
burhan.saeed@brunel.ac.uk, Brunel Flight Safety Laboratory, School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK
G. B. Gratton
Affiliation:
guy.gratton@brunel.ac.uk

Abstract

Combined Vertical and short take-off and landing, or ‘V/STOL’ capability has been of great demand and interest in the field of aeronautics since the creation of the aircraft. V/STOL capability is a targeted capability for many projected or prototype future aircraft. Past V/STOL aircraft are reviewed and analysed with regard to their performance parameters. This research has found two embedded categories in this class of aircraft based on their propulsion systems, i.e. jet and non-jet propulsion, and highlights the significant performance differences between them. In light of historical experience the performance of a relatively new class of aircraft, the flying cars, has been evaluated.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2010 

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