The Many, Many Benefits of VTOL Aircraft

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Have you ever wondered how you get an aircraft to land in busy urban centers, hospital helipads, or on any other small surface? Indeed, planes that can achieve this are very much in demand. These types of planes are called VTOL aircraft.

VTOL means vertical take-off and landing and these types of aircraft consist of vehicles that are able to take off, hover, and land vertically, eliminating the need for runways. This means they can go places they are much needed in and where regular planes simply cannot land or take off from.

VTOL aircraft have a long history dating all the way back to Leonardo da Vinci. However, the first vehicle to make a crewed vertical ascent was the Cornu, an early helicopter that first flew in 1907. 

VTOL aircraft are marvels of engineering that make it possible to achieve everything from organ transplant delivery to hospitals to moving humans in gurneys for surgery. VTOL aircraft may someday also become air taxis. Indeed, the applications of these aircraft are many and varied.

Can you think of a place where a VTOL aircraft might be useful? Watch our video to see if any of the different kinds of VTOL aircraft showcased to inspire you.