Hybrid VTOL

My previous VTOL design relied on rocket engines. This time I am proposing a hybrid design. The plane will use efficient turbofan engines during flight and utilize rocket engines during takeoff. SpaceX Merlin engines can be modified to operate with jet fuel instead of RP-1. Even though, jet fuel is not an ideal rocket fuel, rocket engine would only operate during takeoff and landing. Takeoff requires so much power which cannot be met with vector thrusting turbofan engines. Here is an example: Boeing 737-800’s engine CFM56-7B27 generate 121 kN thrust from 2,370 kg dry weight. On the other hand, SpaceX Merlin engine generates 845 kN thrust from 470 kg dry weight.

Hybrid VTOL would require a new plane design. The passenger cabin would accommodate the luggage like in trains. The entire bottom of the plane would be used to store jet fuel, LOX and the rocket engines. Turbofan engines of the plane would have thrust vectoring for stabilizing the plane during takeoff and landing. They would also assist the ailerons during flight. This design eliminates the need for some of the complex flaps on the wings as well.

As a conclusion, a VTOL plane can be easily developed using current turbofan and rocket engines. More importantly utilizing the same fuels. The only additional requirement would be liquid oxygen. Which would only be consumed during takeoff and landing. Airports can be modified to accommodate such planes. The boarding of the planes would also be different with luggage carried inside the plane like in trains. This would eliminate the need for waiting for the luggage. More importantly, the luggage would not be lost or damaged!