Accession Number : ADA058386

Title :   The Continuing Requirement for V/STOL in the Close Air Support Role.

Descriptive Note : Final rept.,

Corporate Author : ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLL FORT LEAVENWORTH KANS

Personal Author(s) : Gilliland,Woody F.

Report Date : 09 JUN 1978

Pagination or Media Count : 69

Abstract : The U.S. Marine Corps has been interested in V/STOL aircraft for over thirty years. The AV-8A, the world's first operational high performance JET-V/STOL aircraft, has been utilized by the Marine air-ground task force for six years. This study examines the current posture of V/STOL aviation and whether the Marine Corps' experience with V/STOL warrants a follow on to the AV-8A. This study reviews the history of JET-V/STOL and the many concepts that have evolved over the years. The requirements for close air support are thoroughly discussed and the impact that V/STOL has had on those requirements is presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of Western world military employment concepts as well as those of the Soviet Union. V/STOL, with its many applications, is presented as a viable concept for tactical aviation. This innovative concept has provided the ground commander, particularly in the area of close air support, a responsiveness through basing flexibility that heretofore did not exist. Despite the obvious advantages of V/STOL, research revealed that there is not complete agreement on the future of the concept. The author concludes that the military advantages offered by the V/STOL concept far outweigh any political or economic considerations that could delay or eliminate the program. (Author)

Descriptors :   *TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT, *VERTICAL TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT, *SHORT TAKEOFF AIRCRAFT, MILITARY REQUIREMENTS, CLOSE SUPPORT, THESES, MARINE CORPS AVIATION, MARINE CORPS PLANNING, HISTORY, ATTACK AIRCRAFT.

Subject Categories : Attack and Fighter Aircraft
      V/STOL
      Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE