VTOL: Difference between revisions

[[Image:Hornets.jpg|left|thumb|A UNSC Hornet, a UNSC VTOL aircraft. The Pelican in the background is also VTOL capable. They both use a jet propulsion system near the "wings".]]

For the most part, UNSC aircraft use jet thrusters mounted on pivots to provide vertical thrust. The dominant advantage of this is that it is capable of being used for conventional thrust as well, including horizontal and lateral thrust, by tilting the jet engines. Aircraft such as the [[D77-TC Pelican]], the [[Vulture]] gunship, and the [[AV-14 Attack VTOL]] use this type of VTOL configuration. In addition the [[UH-144 Falcon]] from Halo: Reach is also a VTOL craft.

Another method is by using spinning propellers to provide lift, such as [[Wikipedia:Ducted fan|ducted fans]] or traditional helicopter rotors. Although not as lightweight or economic as jet thrusters, ducted fans provide a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, and can be more efficient, as well as having the advantage of producing less noise, always an advantage in a combat vehicle. Aircraft such as the [[Sparrowhawk]] use ducted fans to generate lift, with a fan shrouded in each wing<ref>http://www.halowars.com/forums/thread/45018.aspx</ref>. Although there appear to be no UNSC combat helicopters in service, dropships having supplanted these in their traditional role as air cavalry and gunship support, helicopters are still used by civilian operators.<ref>http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=896</ref>