The Dornier DO 31 Jet-Lift Concept, A Light Military Transport with VTOL Capability

Among various V/STOL configurations the jet lift concept is a very promising configuration for military transport aircraft, if hovering performance and low-altitude cruising are not major requirements. The main advantages of this concept are high speed, high productivity, and excellent mission flexibility.

Having in mind these fundamental capabilities, Dornier has accomplished a design study for a light military V/STOL transport with lift engines in two removable pods. A brief description and performance summary of this aircraft is given. In order to gain full-scale experience and to investigate the special problems of the V/STOL jet transport discussed in this paper, Dornier is now building two experimental aircraft.