The Synthesis of Ejector Lift/Vectored Thrust for STOVL

Some of the fundamentals of powered lift for STOL and STOVL are considered and factors are listed which add substantially to the difficulty of the design task vis-á-vis CTOL. It is shown that the design of a powered lift aircraft represents a complex synthesis and some broad reasons are suggested for limited progress in the field since the Second World War.

This introduction serves as a context in which to consider the synthesis of Ejector Lift/Vectored Thrust (EL/VT) as it relates to a multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft. The foundations of the chordwise ejector concept are traced from early tests and reasons given for specific choices. Evolution of the EL/VT hybrid is described and synthesis of the concept is considered element by element with particular reference to factors discussed in the opening section of the paper.

A baseline EL/VT layout for the current STOVL studies is proposed, an outline of the ongoing technology program is given with particular reference to Canadian work and, finally, some of the potential benefits of an EL/VT design for supersonic STOVL are listed.