Aircraft - Aviation - Balloons - Helicopters
Nov. 11, 1962 - Cincinnati, Ohio, Nov 5 --- Powerful six foot diameter General Electric lift fans mounted in wings of this full scale V/STOL (vertical/short take off and landing) model airplane could lead to a new generation of military and commercial jets requiring little or no runway space. The model tests are being conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at its 40 by 80 foot wind tunnel, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. Developed by G.E. for the U.S. Army, the lift fan propulsion system is designed to provide this type aircraft with the maneuverability of a helicopter and level jet speed flight of about 600 mph. The in wing lift fans, shown with enclosure doors open in the take off position, will be used for helicopter like take off and landing. The lift fan are powered by two GE- J85 turbo jet engines mounted inside the fuselage. Direct turbojet thrust from these engines provides power for conventional jet flight. The lift fan system will be used in the U.S. Army's XV-5A (formerly designated VZ11) V/STOL research aircraft. Ryan Aeronautical Company is building two XV-5A's for flight tests in 1963
