The DHC-7, first generation transport category STOL - Particular design challenges

Fifty Years of Aerodynamics: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities

“…The STOL concept for civil aircraft was intended to relieve the congestion by developing the secondary airports for commuter and short-haul traffic. The design objectives for the DHC-7 were: operation from a 2000 ft runway, passenger comfort, and low community noise levels (Buller and Toplis, 1972). To achieve these objectives, the DHC-7 was designed with a large wing with very thick airfoils, powerful double-slotted flaps, and relatively slowly rotating propellers.…”