ABSTRACT
The capability of a fixed-wing air-craft to take off and land vertical-ly is known as vertical takeoff and landing, or VTOL. Some aircraft have the ability to take off and land on a very short runway-these are V/STOL aircraft. V/STOL stands for vertical or short takeoff and landing. Still others are STOVL aircraft-they are capable of a short takeoff and vertical landing. The terms are used to describe a small group of fixed-wing aircraft. They do not include helicopters, airships, or rockets, all of which also have the ability of vertical takeoff.
