X-13 VertiJet - The First VTOL Jet

The X-13 was designed to investigate vertical takeoff, horizontal flight transition, and return to vertical flight for landing. The first prototype of the X-13 was equipped with temporary tricycle landing gear. The X-13 was flown conventionally on December 10, 1955 to test its aerodynamic characteristics. The Vertijet was then fitted with a temporary “tail sitting“ rig. On May 28, 1956, it was flown from the ground in a vertical position to test its hovering qualities. The X-13 VertiJet completed its first full-cycle flight at Edwards AFB, California on April 11, 1957, when it took off vertically from its mobile trailer, angled over into a horizontal attitude, and flew for several minutes. The X-13 then transitioned to vertical flight and slowly descended back onto its trailer and landed. while in vertical flight the X-13 used thrust vectoring and nozzels on the wing to control itself. SPECIFICATIONS Crew: one pilot Length: 23 ft 5 in ( m) Wingspan: 21 ft 0 in ( m) Height: 15 ft 2 in (4