A Comparison of Propulsion Systems for V/STOL Supersonic Combat Aircraft

Three lift/propulsion concepts for a V/STOL supersonic combat aircraft have been compared. The intention was to show the effect of the propulsion system on aircraft weight and size, performance, and life cycle costs for:

1. 1
   Vectored thrust with Plenum Chamber Burning (bypass air augmentation)
2. 2
   Lift engines and a lift/cruise reheated turbofan
3. 3
   A reheated lift/cruise turbofan with a remote augmented lift system (RALS)

For a postulated deck-launched intercept mission, the vectored thrust propulsion system with Plenum Chamber Burning gives the smallest and cheapest aircraft having the required performance. In addition, for a given take-off ground run the vectored thrust powered aircraft has the longest fighter escort mission radius.