More 1950s Experimental Aircraft

The experimental Hiller X-18 tiltwing aircraft was lucky enough to get its own article this earlier this month, however there were several more experimental aircraft from the 1950′s that we thought were worth a mention.

Bell X-2

The Bell X-2 was damaged in a rough landing on its first glide test in 1952, however the aircraft did manage to complete its task of evaluating flight characteristics at Mach 2 -3 speeds.

Bell X-5

The Bell X-5 was based on a German wartime design by Messerschmitt. The X-5 was able to change its wing alignment using electric motors.

Bell X-14

The Bell X-14 was another 1950′s aircraft to use vertical takeoff, hovering ability and vertical landing technology.

Douglas X-3 Stiletto

The Douglas X-3 Stiletto’s was all but a failure. Whilst the sleek tapered nose gave the appearance of a supersonic jet, the X-3 was unable to reach Mach 1 levels at which it was supposed to evaluate flight characteristics.

Goodyear Inflatoplane

This inflatable aircraft was designed and built but the Goodyear Aircraft Company, in 1956. The aircraft was capable enough to fly however the project was discontinued after the Army were unable to find a suitable use, remarking that,

“[It] could be brought down by a well-aimed bow and arrow.”

Ryan X-13A-RY Vertijet

Another vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, the Ryan X-13A-RY Vertijet was used by the Air Force.

Vertol VZ-2

Yet another tiltwing aircraft designed with the hope of improving vertical take off and landing technology.

Hiller VZ-1 Pawnee

This somewhat unorthodox aircraft got its lift by using a counter-rotating ducted fan located underneath the platform. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft by shifting their weight to “encourage” the platform to move in the direction he wanted. Hmmm….

North American X-15

The North American X-15 set records for both speed and altitude. The data collected by the test pilots was then applied to more advanced aircraft and space program. Until the development of SpaceShipOne, the X-15 was the highest flying piloted, suborbital aircraft.

The X-15 became the first winged aircraft to attain hypersonic velocities of Mach 4, 5, and 6 (four to six times the speed of sound) and to operate at altitudes well above 30,500 meters (100,000 feet) after its initial test flights in 1959.

Lockheed X-7

The Lockheed X-7 was an unmanned jet rocket which could be launched from the belly of a mothership, usually a B-29 bomber. Nicknamed the “flying stove pipe”, the X-7 was able to reach speeds in excess of 2,000 mph and set the records for air-breathing aircraft with a top speed of 2,880 mph.

Convair XF-92A

The Convair XF-92A powered by and Allison J33-A turbojet engine, was America’s first delta-wing aircraft. The delta wing’s large area, thin airfoil cross-section, low weight and structural strength gave this design a great potential for a supersonic airplane.

More 1950s Experimental Aircraft

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