LOCKHEED XFV-1 AMERYKAŃSKI DOŚWIADCZALNY SAMOLOT PIONOWEGO STARTU Z 1954 ROKU

The Lockheed XFV-1 was an American experimental vertical take-off aircraft from the Cold War period. The flight of the prototype took place in 1953. The machine was powered by a single turboprop engine Allison YT40-A-6 with a power of 5,332 hp. The maximum speed of the aircraft reached 930 km / h. Lockheed XFV-1 was created in connection with the idea of introducing vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the US Navy ships, which would provide air cover for convoys. This machine was only to present hypothetical possibilities in this regard, as well as allow to estimate possible technical problems related to the operation of such aircraft. Lockheed used a single motor to drive it in his experimental machine, which powered two counter-rotating propellers, as well as an X-shaped tail, which was very rare. The machine completed 28 flights, during which it was able to change from vertical to horizontal flight. However, its unsatisfactory performance and serious problems in piloting caused the entire program to be canceled in 1955.