A Description of the VTOL Airline System

The objective of this paper is to show the probable composition of the VTOL Transportation System of the future and provide some specific predictions concerning some of its key elements.

Two types of service are recognized: metropolitan area service, connecting airports with downtown and suburban heliports -- which will continue to be done by helicopters; and inter-city downtown to downtown service employing high speed future type VTOL aircraft. Currently operating VTOL airlines are demonstrating the practicality of metropolitan area helicopter service. Advanced, high speed VTOL vehicles, introduced in the 1970’s will make extension of current routes possible to inter-city service. To fully develop the potential in the future, large “transportation centers” will be established in our major cities. Separate air “corridors” and approach facilities and improvements in equipment and operations will insure the high utilization and efficiency necessary to insure a firm economic footing for the VTOL airline of the future.