Hate to butt in on the short-runways business, but in the Fin we would often work the MOS (Minimum Operating Strip) of 5000ft with a warload fitted during TACEVAL/MINEVALs. I think the Italians invented the reverse thrust as you can actually go backwards with it - very effective
Put in a cable and you can use less.
Is that much different to the RAF airfield in Afghanistan and is there a cable?
LJ
PS I think the airshow and airship arguments have hit the nail on the head...