STOL Progenitors

This case study presents the history and technical achievements in developing the Boeing C-17, the largest STOL transport aircraft. It examines STOL technology and predecessor aircraft, but focuses on the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) program and its YC-14 and YC-15 demonstrators.

The book describes every step of the process including the needs requirements, technological approaches, design and operation implications, proposals and winning designs, alterations, innovations, cost constraints, construction, and flight testing. STOL aircraft that flew before and after the C-17 are also discussed to illustrate the continuing evolution of the technology.

This case study presents the history and technical achievements in developing the Boeing C-17, the largest STOL transport aircraft. It examines STOL technology and predecessor aircraft, but focuses on the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) program and its YC-14 and YC-15 demonstrators.

The book describes every step of the process including the needs requirements, technological approaches, design and operation implications, proposals and winning designs, alterations, innovations, cost constraints, construction, and flight testing. STOL aircraft that flew before and after the C-17 are also discussed to illustrate the continuing evolution of the technology.

Bill Norton earned his degrees in aeronautical engineering from California State Polytechnic University and the Air Force Institute of Technology. As an Air Force officer, he worked for 20 years as an aeronautical engineer for the United States government. His career focus has been flight test engineering on research and prototype aircraft and missile test projects. He was a lead flight test engineer during the initial C-17 flight test.