Future short-field aircraft

The application of short takeoff and landing aircraft for improving short-haul air transportation is examined. The contracts with industry to study quiet turbofan short-field aircraft in the short-haul air transportation system are identified. Studies of appropriate propulsion systems are conducted in parallel with the aircraft studies. The objectives of the studies are to: (1) determine economic and social viability of short-haul air transportation, (2) identify critical technology and technology-related problems, (3) define representative aircraft configurations and characteristics to include development and operational costs, and (4) to establish desirable technology advances for improving short-haul transportation systems.