V/STOL Aircraft Design, Third Edition

This title gives a comprehensive overview of vertically rising aircraft that transition to high-speed cruise flight. Deflected slipstream, tiltrotor, tiltwing, tiltduct, tailsitter, and many other configurations have been used for achieving vertical lift. These and other aircraft types are considered, and the text weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Over 200 illustrations and photographs are included, most in color. Designs from the 1950s to 2005 are considered. Some never made it off the drawing board. Most were able to at least hover, and many transitioned to cruise flight.

V/STOL aircraft have tremendous potential for aiding in disaster relief, emergency medical flights, search and rescue, and other beneficial roles. Military applications also exist. This book helps designers see what has worked and what has not, as they seek to develop aircraft that can save lives and improve the quality of life.