Taking a look at this short range transport, with capabilities for VTOL, ZLTOL and STOL.
I note the design's capabilities are all based on a pair of pods mounted on the wings with multiple jets inside.
What is of interest is how the brochure speaks of these pods being removable.
So in theory, the basic aircraft could be flown in prototype as a much more conventional aircraft. This would obviously allow the basic aircraft design to be proven without the risk of the jet pods and associated V/STOL technologies.
A quite rational approach to the risks.
And it occurred to me reading the projected performance graph that in theory in CTOL this design might be operable from 1000ft of airfield.
So as a conventional tactical airlifter, this has some attractions.
As would a civil transport of without the rear ramp.
I note the design's capabilities are all based on a pair of pods mounted on the wings with multiple jets inside.
What is of interest is how the brochure speaks of these pods being removable.
So in theory, the basic aircraft could be flown in prototype as a much more conventional aircraft. This would obviously allow the basic aircraft design to be proven without the risk of the jet pods and associated V/STOL technologies.
A quite rational approach to the risks.
And it occurred to me reading the projected performance graph that in theory in CTOL this design might be operable from 1000ft of airfield.
So as a conventional tactical airlifter, this has some attractions.
As would a civil transport of without the rear ramp.
