Grasshopers

[swordtart]

Racer:
Autogyro.

Once you achieve stall speed (even if still sitting on the back of a trailer) you can lift off.

Technically you don't even need power if you are towed and the convoy continues moving at above your stall speed (which can be well below normal road speed).

If you have power (which is probably sensible) once you are at a suitable altitude you can release the cable and continue on your own power.

There was a German Submarine launched unpowered rotor kite - the Bachstelze. This was towed on a cable that was payed out on a 500ft cable allowing better visibility from the conning tower.

Landing on is probably not sensible, but you can always land ahead of the convoy to be recovered manually and set back on the trailer.

An autogyro can cost less than $5K and still be viable air support.

[43Supporter]

Originally Posted by Racer

A Powered Glider or VTOL Microplane can fulfil same roll , but costs about the same & either needs an airfield or good locations to recharge whilst on scouting patrols .

A non-VTOL Acc.-5 Microplane can get into and out of a standard Truck Stop -- I've done it. (Hacked off the GM right-proper with *that* one. :) )

[Daimyo_Shi]

Originally Posted by 43Supporter

A non-VTOL Acc.-5 Microplane can get into and out of a standard Truck Stop -- I've done it. (Hacked off the GM right-proper with *that* one. :) )

I mean the Truck Stop map isn't really small.

[43Supporter]

Originally Posted by Daimyo_Shi

I mean the Truck Stop map isn't really small.

Small enough -- and there's the perimeter wall to deal with.

That said: It is possible; it requires an understanding of the "taxiing" rules to make it work. (Benefits of having hung around bush pilots in my formative years. :) )