Remove Ceiling Remove Center of Gravity Remove Tail
article thumbnail

Today in Aviation History: First Flight of the Bell X-14

Vintage Aviation News

(Wright State University) The original configuration of the Bell Model 68 was an open cockpit all-metal monoplane with fixed landing gear that was powered by two Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet engines with thrust deflectors located at the aircraft’s center of gravity.

Thrust 94
article thumbnail

Nothing Small About It

Plane and Pilot

True, a slightly higher aspect ratio wing was desired, which in turn required a larger vertical tail and thus a little extra mass, but the size, approximately 20% larger than a Widgeon, was set. The Mallard—it’s a trike—has a tail stinger because it otherwise falls on its tail when loading.”

article thumbnail

COMBAT VIETNAM: The Threat Inside My Aircraft

Vintage Aviation News

I glanced over my shoulder to see our loadmaster scramble up the cargo bay’s side panels, then cling to the ceiling, barely clear of slashing horns. Load’s” relatively safe haven high in the tail section left him hanging upside down on steel-wire control cables, emulating a tree sloth. The damn thing is charging me!” he screamed.