Williams X-Jet

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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. This vehicle was nicknamed "The Flying Pulpit". 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 turbofan, and the WASP (Williams Aerial Systems Platform) developed in the 1970s, which was powered by the more powerful WR19-9.

pecifications (X-Jet)

aircraft specifications

plane or copter?=plane
jet or prop?=jet
crew=One pilot
length main= ft
length alt= m
span main= ft
span alt= m
height main=4 ft 0 in
height alt=1.22 m)

Footprint: 4 ft² (0.4 m²)
area main= ft²
area alt= m²
empty weight main=401 lb
empty weight alt=182 kg
loaded weight main=550 lb
loaded weight alt=250 kg
max takeoff weight main=lb
max takeoff weight alt= kg
engine (jet)=modified Williams F107
type of jet= turbofan
number of jets=1
thrust main=600 lbf
thrust alt=2.7 kN
max speed main=60 mph
max speed alt=96 km/h
range main= endurance of 30-45 minutes
range alt=
ceiling main=10,000 ft
ceiling alt=3,049 m
climb rate main=ft/min
climb rate alt= m/s
loading main= lb/ft²
loading alt= kg/m²
thrust/weight=1.11

References

* Display information at Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,3605,368046,00.html Guardian article]

ee also

aircontent
related=
similar aircraft=
* VZ-1 Pawnee