STOVL – ArmA: Armed Assault

Harrier (AV8B) can perform Short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).

It is controlled with "Autohover ON/OFF" action.

When activated, there is no such autopilot for slowdown that helicopters use. Thrust vector is just rotated downwards. Q/Z keys control only airplane speed. There are no keys for control over vertical thrust, so it is not possible to hover up/down like in helicopter.

Takeoff procedure:

• activate Autohover (\)
• extend full flaps (2x crtl+K)
• gain some speed by holding Q for a short while and then release it.
• once in the air, retract gear (crtl+G)
• hold Q a little longer until you move fast enough
• retract flaps as you build more speed (2x ctrl+L)
• at aprox. 180kmph toggle autohover off and control flight as regular aircraft

Landing procedure:

• reduce speed and altitude same way as during conventional landing
• extend full flaps (2x crtl+K), drop gear (crtl+G)
• hold Z to reduce speed
• at aprox 180 kmph activate Autohover (\)
• pitch nose up to reduce speed, check speed, height and flight path vector indicated on HUD
• hold Z for descent at aprox 2.5 m/s
• at touchdown toggle autohover off