Did you know…
What was special about the Vertol 76?
Short answer
Vertol's VZ-2 tested the tiltwing concept for vertical take-off and landing. After ground trials beginning in April 1957, it first took off on 13 August only in stationary mode, and on 23 July 1958 completed the first full transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
A tiltwing aircraft
The Vertol VZ-2 applied the tiltwing concept to vertical take-off and landing. Ground trials began in April 1957, and on 13 August the aircraft took off for the first time, only in stationary mode. On 23 July 1958, the VZ-2 carried out its first complete transition from vertical flight to horizontal flight.
Tubular fuselage and bubble cockpit
The VZ-2's fuselage consisted of a tubular structure, originally without covering. The pilot sat in a glazed bubble cockpit, of the type used in helicopters.
Fans in the tail
The VZ-2's T-tail incorporated small ducted fans, which acted as thrusters to provide greater control at low speed.
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