STOL Aircraft—A Perspective

Abstract

SummaryThe interest in Canada in the design and manufacture of utility aircraft with a short take-off and landing (STOL) performance may be traced back to the difficulties of surface transport in the early development of the country and the widespread use of bush aircraft.The leading characteristics of the STOL aircraft are examined with particular reference to design features essential to a short take-off and landing. The choice of powerplants and lifting systems is discussed with emphasis on the requirements for powered lift in the larger sizes of aircraft. The augmentor-wing is described as an example of an integrated propulsion lifting system with promise of a high performance.The phases of the take-off, transition, climb and landing manoeuvre are reviewed to illustrate the relative importance of various parameters in design and operation. The importance is stressed of good stability characteristics and effective controls for manoeuvring in a confined air space and a consistent landing performance.The requirements of a para-military mobile force tor a rapid response, deployment overseas and transportation in an area are examined. Some estimates are given of the probability of finding suitable airstrips in a particular region and the cost of constructing new airfields in a dynamic situation. The operating environment in potentially troubled areas of the world is examined briefly to provide guidance in design. The costs of a military supply system are discussed using various modes of transport which include trucks, helicopters, STOL and conventional transport aircraft with results which suggest that the system employing STOL aircraft in the tactical theatre has advantages in cost and effectiveness.Attention is drawn to the growing requirement for shorthaul, commuter and air taxi aircraft with STOL characteristics. Reference is made to the increases in air travel and the widespread use of large transport aircraft which have encouraged the movement of airports from urban centres at a time when city growth and congestion render surface transport increasingly difficult. The relative costs of commercial systems using the helicopter and STOL aircraft are examined. It is shown that the cost of STOL ports is not an excessive portion of total system costs when all factors are taken into account. Some forecasts are made as to future development trends in transport systems using STOL aircraft.