VSTOL Design Implications for Tactical Transports

The Advanced Transport Technology Mission Analysis (ATTMA) study, a broad-based investigation of future tactical airlift system concepts, identified the need for an Advanced Tactical Transport (ATT) to support friendly forces on the extended airland battlefield, including deep operations. This paper, which is based on the study, discusses the three major issues for tactical airlift in this environment: the size of the ATT required to support deep operations, the survivability of a penetrating airlifter and its related design requirements, and the suitability of STOL and VSTOL designs for delivery near the desired destination, with limited ground exposure. Finally, the design implications of VSTOL are addressed, and a VSTOL ATT is shown to be cost-competitive with the C-130. However, a STOL ATT has the lowest cost of all alternatives examined.