Fixed-wing aircraft can be very efficient in forward flight, but generally required large dedicated spaces for takeoff and landing.  

VTOL aircraft can typically operate out of unique and confined spaces, such as vertiports, deep woods, or uneven terrain. However, they generally lack the efficiency required to travel long distances. Rotor sizing, propulsion system optimization, and vehicle layout greatly impacts the controls and operational needs of VTOL aircraft.

Several organizations are looking at aircraft that takeoff and land vertically, but then transition to a higher efficiency configuration in forward flight. These types of aircraft have high-impact potential in the drone and urban-air-mobility sectors.