Sensitivity Studies for Several High Performance VSTOL Concepts

Several VST0L fighter/attack study configurations employing alternative propulsion concepts were evaluated to common mission, performance and technology groundrules. This paper describes each concept and compares weight sensitivities for variations in mission and combat performance constraints. The lowest takeoff weight and highest performance was achieved by the vertical attitude takeoff and landing (VATOL) configurations. A similar lift plus lift/cruise design was typically 10 percent heavier for equal performance. Ejector and fan augmentors were not competitive with Jet lift concepts on a performance basis. All configurations were capable of vertical landing with one engine inoperative.