This Day in Aviation History
March 17th, 1966
First flight of the Bell X-22.
 
The Bell X-22 was an American V/STOL X-plane with four tilting ducted fans. Takeoff was to selectively occur either with the propellers tilted vertically upwards or on a short runway with the nacelles tilted forward at approximately 45°. Additionally, the X-22 was to provide more insight into the tactical application of vertical takeoff troop transporters such as the preceding Hiller X-18 and the X-22 successor, the Bell XV-15. Another program requirement was a true airspeed in level flight of at least 525 km/h (326 mph; 283 knots)….
 
Source:
Wikipedia, Bell X-22: http://gstv.us/2558irZ
 
YouTube, All about the X-22: http://gstv.us/2558jfy
 
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Photo from: http://gstv.us/2558lnJ

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