Bell Model 65 ATV
In 1954, Bell built their Model 65 Air Test Vehicle (ATV) of parts from a number of commercial aircraft. A 1,000 lb thrust Fairchild J-44 missile turbojet engine mounted on each side of the aircraft under the wing could be tilted from vertical to horizontal. A Turbomeca Palouste turbocompressor provided reaction jets at the tail and wingtips for control in hover.
It made its first hover on 16 November 1954 from a platform to prevent the ATV from reingesting its exhaust gases.
The ATV was modified with a wheeled landing gear and made horizontal flights in 1955. It made partial conversions at altitude, but had inadequate engine thrust to complete the transition. Bell ended the program in 1955 in favor of its X-14 (#18), but used this tilt jet experience to develop the Air Force XF-109 V/STOL fighter concept; although canceled before being built, this concept was very similar to the later VJ 101C.
Source: AHS V/STOL Wheel
Overview
Data on design, manufacture and statusDesign authority: Bell Aircraft Corporation
Primary manufacturer: Bell Aircraft Corporation
Parent type: No type defined
Aircraft status: No longer flying
Configuration
Primary flight and mechanical characteristicsVTOL type: Convertiplane
Compound type: N/A
Lift configuration: Vectored thrust (x2)
Dedicated control device: Thruster (x6)
Crew required: 1
Crew seating: Single seater
Landing gear: Skids
Layout and Dimensions
Data on aircraft size| Overall Dimensions | ||
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| Landing Gear Dimensions | ||
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| Cabin Dimensions | ||
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Weights and Performance
Data on aircraft weight and flight characteristics| Weights | ||
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| Climb Performance | ||
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| Hover Performance | ||
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| Limitations | ||
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Engine Details
Aircraft powerplant (lift and/or propulsion)Provided powerplant data is for uninstalled, sea level, static operations.
| Powerplant | ||
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| Number of engines: | 3 | |
| Normal Ratings | ||
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Primary Lift Device
Data on primary lift devices such as main rotors| Main Rotor Characteristics | ||
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| Diameter: | ||
| RPM: | ||
| Direction of Rotation: | Unknown | |
| Hub Type: | ||
| Main Rotor Blade Characteristics | ||
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| Tip Speed: | ||
Primary Control Device
Data on primary control devices such as tail rotors| Tail Rotor Characteristics | ||
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| Diameter: | ||
| Configuration: | Unknown | |
| Direction of Rotation: | Unknown | |
| RPM: | ||
| Tail Rotor Blade Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Blades: | ||
| Blade Construction: | N/A | |
| Blade Chord: | ||
| Blade Twist: | ||
| Tail Rotor Derived Characteristics | ||
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| Disc Area: | ||
| Solidity: | ||
| Tail Rotor Blade Derived Characteristics | ||
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| Tip Speed: | ||
| Blade Area (per blade): | ||
