The requirements for V/STOL aircraft introduce unique structural problems and make more severe those common to conventional vehicles. Propulsion modes requiring increased thrust during hover and their relative airframe locations are responsible for the major portion of the associated problems.
Those problems which require first-order attention, such as design philosophy for fan-in-wing configurations to obtain optimum structural design are discussed. The solution of acoustic environment problems, such as noise attenuation and acoustic fatigue, are investigated.
Likewise, the study of thermal problems, both internal and external, and their effect on structure is presented. The problem of debris damage due to the propulsion environment at ground hover is discussed showing the potential energy level of debris.
Finally, the importance of structural weight/cost effectiveness is shown for V/STOL aircraft.
