Williams X-Jet
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for the aircraft used by the X-Men, see Blackbird (comics)
The Williams X-Jet, created by Williams International, was a small, light-weight Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) system powered by a modified Williams F107 turbofan aircraft engine. It was designed to be operated by and carry one person and controlled by leaning in the direction of desired travel and adjusting the power. It could move in any direction, accelerate rapidly, hover, and rotate on its axis, staying aloft for up to 45 minutes and traveling at speeds up to 60 miles per hour (100 km/h). It was evaluated by the U.S. Army in the 1980s, and was deemed inferior to the capabilities of helicopters and small unmanned aircraft.
Other VTOL systems developed by Williams International included a jet-powered flying belt developed in 1969, which was powered by a Williams WR19 fanjet, and the WASP (Williams Aerial Systems Platform) developed in the 1970s, which was powered by the more powerful WR19-9. This vehicle was nicknamed "The Flying Pulpit".
[edit] Specifications (X-Jet)
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Length: ft (m)
- Wingspan: ft (m)
- Height: 4 ft 0 in (1.22 m)
- Footprint: 4 ft² (0.4 m²))
- Wing area: ft² (m²)
- Empty weight: 400 lb (182 kg)
- Loaded weight: 550 lb (250 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: lb (kg)
- Powerplant: 1× modified Williams F107 turbofan, 600 lbf (2.7 kN)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 60 mph (96 km/h)
- Range: endurance of 30-45 minutes ()
- Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,049 m)
- Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s)
- Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²)
- Thrust/weight: 1.11
[edit] Popular Culture
- The Williams X-Jet was featured in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, a popular video game of the stealth action genre.
[edit] References
- Display information at Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.
- Guardian article
