This series addresses terminology that is misleading or erroneous, and proffers definitions to be used as canonical. Here a new overarching taxonomy for vertical-flight-capable aircraft configurations is presented. The previous two installments of this series addressed past and present classification systems of vertical and/or short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft - including the NASA Campbell table and the V/STOL Wheel - and their shortcomings. Toward establishing standard, accepted terms for vertical-flight-capable aircraft configurations across the aviation academic-military-industrial complex, a robust taxonomy is proposed here.
展开▼
