Augmentor Wing Powered Lift Technology: Affordable Alternatives to Enhance Tactical Airlift Capability

摘要

Remarks on the status and capabilities of Augmentor Wing (AW) powered lift technology introduce a discussion of potential Air Force needs satisfaction in a variety of affordable aircraft applications. A description of technology capabilities and cost comparison examples complete the background for the author's view on current and future air force inter and intra-theater tactical airlift operational and program benefits from this technology. Competing technologies and AW applications on Short Take-Off Vertical Land (STOVL) tactical and strategic airlifters and the adaptation of Ejector Lift/Vertical Thrust (EL/VT) technology to an advanced pilot trainer aircraft and a Supersonic Short Take-Off Vertical Land (SSTOVL) fighter, as in the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) and Advanced/Short Take Off Vertical Land (A/STOVL) aircraft are discussed. International development of a joint technology demonstrator and a next generation tactical airlifter to meet United States, Canadian, United Kingdom, West German, French, Australian and other allied requirements is suggested.