Dave, Mart,
Cool video of the Hiller platform.
Check this video of a C-130 with 30 jato bottles for assisted lift.
This is what am I trying to do, just get extreme STOL with some type of assisted lift but from multiple propfans rather than rockets. They were planning to land and takeoff the C-130 from a soccer field!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YOtm9UCQEc
Read the story here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Credible_Sport
Mart, Afterburners are not in my price range, but maybe more efficient than rockets.
slowrotor