Tailoring the Lift Fan V/STOL Concept to Mission Requirements

The U.S. Army's XV-5A has demonstrated vertical takeoff with “cruise power” only, noncritical transition maneuverability and conversions, low fuel consumption, high subsonic speeds, and minor ground erosion. In applying the lift fan to specific mission requirements, jet engine thrust can be augmented by 200-400%. Fan installations can be either fan-in-wing, fan-in-fuselage, retractable fans, or various combinations of these. Comparison studies with other high subsonic and supersonic V/STOL concepts indicate that the lift fan is competitive on a weight and volume basis and exceeds them with respect to low fuel consumption, minimum ground erosion, and minimum development and production time and costs.