Powered Lift for Longer Field Lengths and Longer Missions?

It is hypothesized that the potential value of powered lift may be greater for transport applications requiring RTOL and CTOL field lengths than for those requiring STOL performance. Thus, it is implied that powered lift can be applied effectively to aircraft designed for medium and long haul, as well as short haul. This premise has been reached on the basis of observed trends in direct operating cost, mission fuel consumption, and, most significantly, community noise footprint areas for both powered lift and conventional mechanical flap configurations. Some pertinent results from recent NASA-sponsored configuration design and system studies for quiet short haul and fuel-conservative aircraft are discussed, and further data are developed to explore the potential value of incorporating powered lift concepts in advanced aircraft designs for medium and long haul applications. Finally, propulsive lift retrofits of contemporary transports are examined to determine the resulting influence on aircraft noise footprints and/or balanced field length.