V/STOL Transports and Their Terminal Requirements

V/STOL aircraft, if they are to be used effectively in the air-transport system, will require special terminals and support facilities that do not presently (1965) exist. The location and design of these terminals (V-ports) will be governed by land and construction costs, convenience of the using public, acceptability to the neighboring communities, and the operational capabilities and limitations of the aircraft. This paper is concerned with the operational characteristics of V/STOL aircraft as they might influence the terminal requirements. In particular, consideration is given to take-off and landing characteristics, noise propagation, downwash characteristics, sensitivity to wind, and instrument-flight factors. Two hypothetical V/STOL transports—one powered by a turboprop system and the other by a jet system—are described to serve as examples. The V/STOL aircraft characteristics are finally examined in relation to a hypothetical terminal arrangement.