STOL

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File:87 GAF Nomad 22SL Philippine Air Force (7838564596).jpg of the Philippine Air Force]]

STOL aircraft come in configurations such as bush planes, autogyros, and taildraggers, and those such as the de Havilland Canada Dash-7 that are designed for use on conventional airstrips. The PAC P-750 XSTOL, the Daher Kodiak, the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter and the Wren 460 have STOL capability, needing a short ground roll to get airborne, but are capable of a near-zero ground roll when landing.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

File:YA2F-1 tilting pipes NAN6-60.jpg with tilting STOL nozzleshttps://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19810016529/downloads/19810016529.pdf{{Dead link | date=May 2025 | fix-attempted=yes}}]]

For any plane, the required runway length is a function of the square of the stall speed (minimum flying speed), and much design effort is spent on minimizing this number. For takeoff, large power/weight ratios and low drag help the plane to accelerate for flight. For landing, the length is minimized by strong brakes, low landing speed, and thrust reversers or spoilers. Overall STOL performance is set by the longer of the runway needed to land or take off.{{Cite web|date=2015-12-02|title=What's the definition of STOL in aviation?|url=https://www.vikingair.com/twin-otter-series-400/twin-otter-answers/what%E2%80%99s-definition-stol-aviation|access-date=2021-12-20|website=Viking Air Ltd|language=en}}

File:Fieseler Storch (7582553016).jpg with German Luftwaffe markings]]

Of equal importance to runway length is the ability to clear obstacles, such as hills, beyond the runway. For takeoff, large power/weight ratios and low drag increase the rate of climb – required to clear obstacles. For landing, high drag allows the plane to descend steeply without building speed, which would require a longer ground run. Drag is increased by use of flaps on the wings and by forward slip (causing the plane to fly somewhat sideways to increase drag). Denker, John S. "11 Slips, Skids, and Snap Rolls". See How It Flies. Av8n.com. Archived from the original on Nov 11, 2023.

Typically, a STOL aircraft has a large wing for its weight. These wings may use aerodynamic devices like flaps, slots, slats, and vortex generators.{{cite web|url=http://www.gtri.gatech.edu/casestudy/powered-lift|title=Powered Lift: Novel GTRI Design Would Let Commercial Jets Use Smaller Airports While Reducing Noise|publisher=Georgia Tech Research Institute|access-date=2010-10-28}} Typically, achieving excellent STOL performance reduces maximum speed, but not payload ability. The payload is critical, because many small, isolated communities rely on STOL aircraft as their only link to the outside world for passengers or cargo; examples include many communities in the Canadian north and Alaska. Time-Life editors 1983, p. 34 "Bush Flying". US Centennial of Flight Commission. Archived from the original on 24 July 2008. Retrieved 14 July 2008."Alaska". World Atlas. Retrieved 14 July 2008.

Most STOL aircraft can land either on- or off-airport. Typical off-airport landing areas include snow or ice (using skis), fields or gravel riverbanks (often using special fat, low-pressure tundra tires), and water (using floats): these areas are often short and obstructed by trees or hills. Wheel skis and amphibious floats combine wheels with skis or floats, allowing landing on snow/water.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}}

File:VortexGenerators01.JPG]]

A number of aircraft modification companies offer STOL kits for improving short-field performance.

• Crosswinds STOL of Wasilla, Alaska, sells STOL kits for light aircraft, including leading edge cuffs, tip spill plates, inboard flap extensions and STOL fences. The company offers kits for Piper PA-12, PA-14, PA-18, PA-20 and 22, Bellanca Champion Model 7 series, Cessna 170B, 180 and 185.{{cite web|url = http://www.crosswindsstol.com |title = Crosswinds STOL Inc.|access-date = 2011-02-23|last =Crosswinds S.T.O.L. Inc.|year = 2011}}
• Horton, Inc, of Wellington, Kansas, offers STOL kits under the brand name Horton STOL-Craft, emphasizing that the modifications increase safety by allowing forced landings to occur at lower speeds and thus improve survivability. The Horton modifications include a drooped leading edge cuff, conical cambered wingtips, control surface gap seals and wing fences. The company says: "On an average you can expect to get a 4-7 knot reduction in stall speeds. Flying at these lower stall speeds you can reduce the take-off and landing distances by 10%". Horton STOL kits are available for several Cessna and Piper PA-28 models.{{cite web|url = http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_description.htm|title = Description of the Horton STOL Kit|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Horton, Inc.|archive-date = 2008-11-21|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081121152728/http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_description.htm|url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_faq.htm|title = Frequently Asked Questions About the Horton STOL Kit|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Horton, Inc.|archive-date = 2008-10-06|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081006174413/http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_faq.htm|url-status = dead}}{{cite web|url = http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_pricing.htm|title = Horton STOL Kit Pricing|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Horton, Inc.|archive-date = 2018-01-09|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180109004134/http://www.hortonstackdoor.com/stolcraft_pricing.htm|url-status = dead}}
• Micro AeroDynamics markets vortex generator modification kits for "STOL benefits". The Micro kits are small vortex generators that are glued to the wing leading edge, as well as the underside of the elevator and on the fin. Kits are available for a large number of light aircraft types.{{cite web|url = http://www.microaero.com/|title = Micro Vortex Generators for Single and Twin Engine Aircraft|access-date = 2009-12-26|last =Micro AeroDynamics Inc|year = 2009}}
• Sierra Industries sells Robertson STOL kits, marketed under the name R/STOL, incorporate a drooped leading edge cuff, wing fences, drooping ailerons and an automatic trim system. The company says that installation "allows 15 to 25 MPH slower approaches and requires up to 40% less runway distance". R/STOL kits are available for various Cessna models. {{cite web|url = http://www.sijet.com/sitemap_rstol.aspx|title =Sierra R/STOL High Lift Systems for Piston Engine Aircraft|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Sierra Industries|year = 2007}} {{cite web|url = http://www.sijet.com/SierraRSTOL_performanceComparison.aspx|title = Sierra R/STOL Performance Comparison Charts|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Sierra Industries|year = 2007}} {{cite web|url = http://www.sijet.com/d563beaf-cce6-4770-9feb-e4bf0c42bc76.aspx|title = Modifications - Sierra R/STOL High Lift Systems for Piston Engine Aircraft|access-date = 2009-12-26|last = Sierra Industries|year = 2007}}
• Stolairus Aviation of Kelowna, British Columbia, has developed STOL Kits for the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter to increase lift and reduce stall speeds. The DHC-2 Beaver STOL Kit includes a contoured leading edge, flap-gap seals, wing fences and drooped wingtips. The DHC-3 Otter STOL Kit includes a contoured leading edge and drooped wingtips.[http://www.stolairus.com "DHC-2 Beaver."] Stolairus Retrieved: February 2, 2012.

{{excerpt|STOLport}}

Cruise-efficient short takeoff and landing (CESTOL) have very short runway requirements and cruise speeds greater than Mach 0.8.{{cite web|first=Craig E|last=Hange|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20090036801_2009036530.pdf|title=Short Field Take-Off and Landing Performance as an Enabling Technology for a Greener, More Efficient Airspace System|publisher=Ames Research Center, NASA|date=2005-04-25|access-date=2010-10-28}}{{cite news|url=http://www.onlineamd.com/amd-0511-novel-design-reducing-noise.aspx|title=Novel Design|publisher=Aerospace Manufacturing and Design|date=May 2011|access-date=2011-05-08}}

Many definitions of STOL have been used over time and for regulatory and military purposes. These include:

{{Quote

| quote =(DOD/NATO) The ability of an aircraft to clear a 50-foot (15 meters) obstacle within 1,500 feet (450 meters) of commencing takeoff or in landing, to stop within 1,500 feet (450 meters) after passing over a 50-foot (15 meters) obstacle.

| source =Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (JP 1-02){{cite web | url= http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary/data/s/7020.html | work= United States Department of Defense | title= Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms (JP 1-02) | access-date= 2009-12-22 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110605071237/http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/dod_dictionary/data/s/7020.html | archive-date= 2011-06-05 | url-status= dead }}

}}

{{quote

|quote=the ability of aircraft to take off and clear a 50-foot obstruction in a distance of 1,500 feet from beginning the takeoff run. It must also be able to stop within 1,500 feet after crossing a 50-foot obstacle on landing.

|source=Dictionary of Aeronautical TermsCrane, Dale: Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition, page 492. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997. {{ISBN|1-56027-287-2}}

}}

{{quote

|quote=An aircraft that, at some weight within its approved operating weight, is capable of operating from a STOL runway in compliance with the applicable STOL characteristics and airworthiness, operations, noise, and pollution standards" and ""aircraft" means any machine capable of deriving support in the atmosphere|source=Transport Canada{{cite web|url = http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/secretariat-terminology-glossary-204.htm#short_takeoff_and_landing_aircraft|title = Glossary for Pilots and Air Traffic Services Personnel (TP 1158E)|access-date = 2009-12-15|last = Transport Canada|author-link = Transport Canada|date=November 2009}}{{cite web|url = http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regserv/affairs/aeronauticsact/nov2007.htm|title = Aeronautics Act - November 2007 Consolidation|access-date = 2009-12-25|last = Transport Canada|author-link = Transport Canada|date=September 2009}} and Arizona Department of Transportation{{cite web|url=http://www.azdot.gov/aviation/library/MP_PDF/1G4_MP_APP_B.pdf |title=Appendix B |access-date=2009-12-15 |last=Arizona Department of Transportation |author-link=Arizona Department of Transportation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314082256/http://www.azdot.gov/aviation/library/MP_PDF/1G4_MP_APP_B.pdf |archive-date=March 14, 2009 }} }}

{{quote

|quote=an aircraft with a certified performance capability to execute approaches along a glideslope of 6 degrees or steeper and to execute missed approaches at a climb gradient sufficient to clear a 15:1 missed approach surface at sea level... A STOL runway is one which is specifically designated and marked for STOL aircraft operations, and designed and maintained to specified standards.

|source= US Federal Aviation Administration{{cite web|url = http://testimony.ost.dot.gov/test/pasttest/84test/kern1.PDF|title = Statement of John Kern, Deputy Director of Flight Operations, FAA|access-date = 2009-12-15|last = US House of Representatives Committee of Science and Technology|date = July 1984|archive-date = 2016-12-22|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161222225637/http://testimony.ost.dot.gov/test/pasttest/84test/kern1.PDF|url-status = dead}}

}}

{{quote

|quote=Heavier-than-air craft that cannot take off and land vertically, but can operate within areas substantially more confined than those normally required by aircraft of the same size. Derived from short takeoff and landing aircraft.

|source= McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms{{cite web|url = http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/STOL+aircraft|title = STOL aircraft |access-date = 2009-12-25|last = McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms|year = 2003}}

}}

{{quote

|quote=heavier-than-air craft, capable of rising from and descending to the ground with only a short length of runway, but incapable of doing so vertically. The precise definition of an STOL aircraft has not been universally agreed upon. However, it has been tentatively defined as an aircraft that upon taking off needs only 1,000 ft (305 m) of runway to clear a 50-ft (15-m) obstacle at the end of that distance and upon landing can clear the same obstacle and then land within 1,000 ft.

|source= Columbia Encyclopedia{{cite web|url = http://www.answers.com/topic/stol|title = short takeoff and landing aircraft |access-date = 2009-12-25|last = Columbia Encyclopedia |website = Answers.com }}

}}

{{quote

|quote=The STOL mode of flight is one during which an airplane taking off or landing is operated at climb-out and approach speeds lower than the conventionally accepted margins of airspeed above the power-off stalling speed of the airplane.

|source= Lieutenant Colonel Walter P. Maiersperger, USAF (Ret){{cite web |url = http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1968/mar-apr/maiersperger.html |title = What is STOL? |access-date = 2009-12-25 |last = Maiersperger |first = Walter P., Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret) |date = March–April 1968 |archive-date = 2011-07-22 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722140149/http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/airchronicles/aureview/1968/mar-apr/maiersperger.html |url-status = dead }}

}}

Some manufacturers market their products as STOL without specifying that the aircraft meets an accepted functional definition.{{cite web|url = http://www.fisherflying.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=22|title = Horizon 1 |access-date = 2009-10-27|last = Fisher Flying Products}}

Rough-field capability is the ability to land/take-off from an unprepared/damaged runway or grass field, highway, wasteland or other ad hoc site. Rough-field capable aircraft usually have high wings, reinforced landing gear, and STOL capability.{{Cite report |url=https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/650844/ |title=Soft and Rough Field Landing Gears |last1=Williams |first1=W. W. |last2=Williams |first2=G. K. |last3=Garrard |first3=W. C. J. |date=1965-10-04 |publisher=SAE Technical Paper |issue=650844 |location=Warrendale, PA |language=English}}{{Cite web |last=Kaminski-Morrow |first=David |title=VIDEO: An-148 performs rough-field demonstration |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/video-an-148-performs-rough-field-demonstration/111924.article |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Japan Evaluates C-2's Rough-Field Performance {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/japan-evaluates-c-2s-rough-field-performance |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=aviationweek.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/07_afh_ch6.pdf |title=FAA Airplane Handbook}}{{cite web|url=https://media.defense.gov/2019/May/13/2002130791/-1/-1/0/FP_0026_OWEN_LAUNCHING_THE_WORKHORSE_VERTICAL_OR_SUPER-SHORT_TAKEOFF_CAPABILITIES_FOR_THE_NEXT_THEATER_AIRLIFT_AIRCRAFT.PDF |title=Owen Launching The Workhorse Vertical Or Short Takeoff Capabilities For The Next Theater Airlift Aircraft}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/notes/2007/N1985-1.pdf |publisher=Rand |title=N1985|year=1985}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sto.nato.int/publications/AGARD/AGARD-AG-45/AGARD-AG-45.pdf|publisher=NATO|title=Asgard AG 45}}{{Cite report |url=https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/911199/ |title=Landing Gear Design Requirements for Bomb-Damaged Runway Operations |last1=Pollack |first1=Henry M. |last2=Urch |first2=Ralph E. |date=1991-04-01 |publisher=SAE Technical Paper |issue=911199 |location=Warrendale, PA |language=English}}{{Excessive citations inline|date=January 2025}}

• AHRLAC Holdings Ahrlac
• Airbus A400M
• Arado Ar 232 Tausendfüßler
• British Aerospace 125
• Cessna A-37 Dragonfly
• Cessna Caravan{{Cite web |title=Cessna Caravan Turboprop {{!}} Textron Aviation |url=https://cessna.txtav.com/en/turboprop/caravan |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=cessna.txtav.com |language=en}}
• General Atomics Mojave
• General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
• PAC P-750 XSTOL
• Pilatus PC-24{{Cite web |title=PC-24 Rough Field Certification Campaign Brought to a Successful Conclusion {{!}} Pilatus Aircraft Ltd |url=https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/en/news-events/media-release/pc-24-certified-for-take-offs-and-landings-on-unpaved-runways-plus-steep-approaches |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=www.pilatus-aircraft.com |language=en}}
• SEPECAT Jaguar
• Sukhoi Su-7
• Tupolev Tu-142

• List of STOL aircraft
• ESTOLAS
• VTOL

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{external media

| float = right

| video1 = [http://www.flyingmag.com/videos/video-channel/just-aircraft-superstol-short-takeoff-and-landing?con=outbrain&obref=obnetwork&src=related&con=outbrain&obref=obnetwork STOL Ultralight taking off and landing]

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• {{Wiktionary-inline|STOL}}
• [http://www.zenithair.com/stolch801/design/design.html Anatomy of a STOL Aircraft: Designing a Modern Short Take-Off and Landing Aircraft by Chris Heintz]
• {{Cite web |first=Loz|last=Blain|date=2025-03-22 |title=$9 billion in pre-orders for super-slow, super-quiet aircraft |url=https://newatlas.com/aircraft/electra-estol-9-billion-preorders/ |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}

{{Types of take-off and landing}}

Category:Types of take-off and landing