Demonstration of Fairey Rotodyne vertical takeoff aircraft

Apr. 17 Britain's Fairey Rotodyne, claimed by its manufacturers as the world's first vertical takeoff and landing airliner, was recently given its first public demonstration. As the rotor blades turn for ascent, the Rotodyne flies forward on two engines in the normal manner of fixed-wing aircraft. It weighs 18 long tons, has a rotor diameter of 90 feet and carries up to 48 passengers or 5 long tons of freight. It has cruising speeds of 185 mph and 150 mph, the latter on partial power. Picture (top): the Rotodyne with its rear loading doors open, (bottom): in flight after rising from a concrete circle with a diameter of 120 ft

Restrictions Only for United Kingdom

Answer Ascent Asking Claimed Concrete Cruising Diameter Fairey Fixed Flies Freight Latter Manner Normal Partial Providing Question Rotodyne Rotor Speeds Takeoff Tips Tons Weighs

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > KEY