The Air Force/Boeing Advanced Medium STOL Transport Prototype

The Boeing AMST prototype is a unique design aimed at meeting the goals set by the Air Force for the modernization of tactical airlift. The rationale for the major configuration decisions is reviewed in this paper. Meeting the production cost constraint, one of the most challenging goals, demanded a new design approach aimed at part commonality, in addition to a simplified structural arrangement. The possibility of a commercial derivative of the AMST is reviewed and a proposal made for the use of a small AMST fleet to demonstrate the market potential and the feasibility of short field commercial operation.