Recent research on powered-lift STOL ground effects

Early studies of powered-lift STOL concepts indicated that a basic problem of aircraft incorporating such concepts would be a serious adverse ground effect on lift. Experience to date with actual powered-lift STOL aircraft, however, has not borne out this concern. This apparent disagreement is examined and recent research data are used to help explain some of the differences observed. Analysis indicates that most of the disagreement can be attributed to the use of wind tunnel data that were not directly applicable to the airplane because the model did not properly represent some of the design features and operating conditions of the airplane.