The progress made by a number of companies to make the Vertical Business Jet (VBJ) a viable and reliable product is indeed noteworthy. This concept[w1] has the potential of reducing dependence on traditional infrastructure requirements whilst dramatically increasing its deployment possibilities. As with most innovations in the domain of aviation, the VBJ can also trace its roots to the needs of the military. A large quantum of funds has been poured into Research and Development to acquire the capability to produce the tilt-rotor Osprey, the Harrier with variable jet nozzles and a number of other features. The challenge is to integrate various cutting edge technologies to have an economically viable aircraft that can meet with the prevailing safety standards, the sophistication expected and price of Business Jets operating in the six to eight seater, twin-engine category. Once this challenge is met with, the aircraft will find markets globally.
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