Technical evaluation report on Fluid Dynamics Panel Symposium on V/STOL Aerodynamics

This advisory report reviews the Fluid Dynamics Panel Symposium and evaluates the current situation in V/STOL Aerodynamics research as it was presented in the twenty-five symposium papers, which covered the fields of powered high lift systems, mechanical high lift systems, jet lift and some related subjects. It is concluded that, partly because of recent and current uncertainties regarding military and civil applications of V/STOL, recent progress has not been encouraging. Direct operating costs must be reduced to be competitive with CTOL; this requires optimization of aerodynamic characteristics, for both mechanical and powered high lift systems and, because of system complexities and the large number of parameters, this optimization requires both experimental and theoretical bases. In view of the many complex problems to be resolved, the necessary research effort must be maintained now, in order to establish a sound basis for progress when decisions are taken on V/STOL development.