STOVL RCS Effects on Propulsion System Design

Vertical landing/takeoff candidate aircraft will require some type of Reaction Control System (RCS) for aircraft balance, control, and maneuver during jet-boume flight. Typically these systems require high pressure compressor bleed air to be discharged through nozzles located on the wing tips, nose and tail of the aircraft for hover stability. Bleed rates on the order of 10 to 20 lbs/sec could be required with the source of air from compressor interstage, compression discharge or a combination from both locations.