V/STOL Aircraft Operation in the Terminal Area

Some aspects of V/STOL operation in a terminal area have been presented. A V/STOL instrument approach with present-day displays and guidance systems requires about 5 minutes at low speeds, but this time could be cut to 1 1/2 to 2 minutes if the displays and guidance systems were improved. In order to keep approach-pattern time to a minimum, the conversion process should be simplified by interconnecting as many operations as possible with one control. Adequate vectoring for the lifting system, attitude stabilization to prevent excessive wandering, and automatic glide-path control for approaches over 6 deg. will also be required.