Bell X-14A VTOL
A landing on the lunar surface is simulated by the NASA Ames Research Center's Bell X-14A Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Photographed by a Fairchild flight data analyzer camera, the X-14A approaches its predetermined landing point from the right at an altitude of 1000 feet. Vanes in the jet exhaust pipe are then turned to deflect the jet exhaust downward allowing the aircraft to descend vertically to a soft landing. The forward motion in the latter half of the descent was the result of the pilot's controlled correction to assure landing on a pre- determined point. The inset in the lower right hand corner of the photo is a close-up of the Bell X-14A during descent.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: RESEARCH-AIRCRAFT-27
Date: December 7, 1962
Bell X-14A VTOL
A landing on the lunar surface is simulated by the NASA Ames Research Center's Bell X-14A Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. Photographed by a Fairchild flight data analyzer camera, the X-14A approaches its predetermined landing point from the right at an altitude of 1000 feet. Vanes in the jet exhaust pipe are then turned to deflect the jet exhaust downward allowing the aircraft to descend vertically to a soft landing. The forward motion in the latter half of the descent was the result of the pilot's controlled correction to assure landing on a pre- determined point. The inset in the lower right hand corner of the photo is a close-up of the Bell X-14A during descent.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: RESEARCH-AIRCRAFT-27
Date: December 7, 1962