V/STOL

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V/STOL

military aircraft

Also known as: vertical/short takeoff and landing jet

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

V/STOL, an abbreviation for vertical or short takeoff and landing, refers to aircraft that can operate from much shorter runways than conventional planes. This capability is achieved through aerodynamic devices like augmentor wings, which use slats and flaps to increase lift and drag.12

The Hawker Harrier is a notable example of a V/STOL fighter jet that can operate without runways, making it valuable for military operations. These aircraft are designed to meet the needs of operations in areas with limited runway access, prioritizing steep climb and approach angles and low landing speeds.32

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warship
Light carriers
A carrier equipped with these V/STOL (vertical/short takeoff and landing) jets could be much smaller than a full jet carrier, because it would need neither catapults nor arresting gear. In the 1970s and ’80s, Britain built three such ships, HMS Invincible, Illustrious, and Ark Royal. These 20,000-ton ships carried eight…
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A carrier equipped with these V/STOL (vertical/short takeoff and landing) jets could be much smaller than a full jet carrier, because it would need neither catapults nor arresting gear. In the 1970s and ’80s, Britain built three such ships, HMS Invincible, Illustrious, and Ark Royal. These 20,000-ton ships carried eight…
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helicopter
Convertiplanes
There are two types of V/STOL (vertical- or short-takeoff-and-landing) aircraft that may alternate between vertical takeoff and conventional horizontal flight. These are convertible rotorcraft and convertible airplanes.
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There are two types of V/STOL (vertical- or short-takeoff-and-landing) aircraft that may alternate between vertical takeoff and conventional horizontal flight. These are convertible rotorcraft and convertible airplanes.
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Harrier
…Short Take-off and Landing, or V/STOL), and thus the Harrier did not need conventional runways. Powered by a vectored-thrust turbofan engine, the plane diverted its engine thrust downward for vertical takeoff using rotatable engine exhaust ports. It could carry a combination of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface antiship missiles, rockets,…
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…Short Take-off and Landing, or V/STOL), and thus the Harrier did not need conventional runways. Powered by a vectored-thrust turbofan engine, the plane diverted its engine thrust downward for vertical takeoff using rotatable engine exhaust ports. It could carry a combination of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface antiship missiles, rockets,…
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jet engine
Vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) propulsion systems
Propulsion systems that provide aircraft with the capability of both vertical and conventional forward flight represent a formidable challenge to the engine designer. V/STOL aircraft have several major categories of engine arrangement. They are as follows:
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Propulsion systems that provide aircraft with the capability of both vertical and conventional forward flight represent a formidable challenge to the engine designer. V/STOL aircraft have several major categories of engine arrangement. They are as follows:
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Royal Air Force
Aircraft and equipment of the Royal Air Force
…to the Vulcans, Lightnings, and V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) Hawker Harriers of the mid-1960s. The bomber force was built up as the strategic deterrent, and by 1966 its main armament consisted of Handley Page Victor B.2 and Vulcan B.2 medium bombers, of which a number were armed with Blue…
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…to the Vulcans, Lightnings, and V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) Hawker Harriers of the mid-1960s. The bomber force was built up as the strategic deterrent, and by 1966 its main armament consisted of Handley Page Victor B.2 and Vulcan B.2 medium bombers, of which a number were armed with Blue…
Read More