Commercial V/STOL and the California Corridor

Realistic assessment of the role of V/STOL air transportation in the 1970’s is important to government transportation policies being formulated. Studies of a system, including the vehicle, airport, air traffic, and navigation facilities, were conducted in a specific market -- the California Corridor. Four VTOL aircraft representing various concepts were designed to a common set of requirements. These aircraft, one STOL, a conventional jet aircraft, and a conventional helicopter, were operated in a simulated airline network. Costs and revenues were compared to those of conventional jet aircraft operating on the same airline network. Ground transportation systems were assessed, including the automobile which is a formidable opponent on shorter routes. However, the STOL/VTOL systems by virtue of their convenience and overall speed, capture some traffic from other transportation means and generate new customer markets.