Fri, Jan 23, 2004
World's First Tiltrotor Aircraft Returns To Texas
History rolled into
Bell Helicopter's Flight Research Center at Arlington Municipal
Airport on Thursday when a tractor trailer loaded with ancient
aircraft parts and pieces was eagerly greeted by Bell employees and
retirees. The precious cargo contained the parts of the Bell
XV-3, the world's first successful tiltrotor aircraft.
Over the next two years, Bell employees and volunteers will
restore the aircraft to museum quality display condition. Bell
Helicopter will keep the XV-3 in Fort Worth, until 2008, when the
historic plane goes on permanent display at the U.S. Air Force
Museum, Wright-Patterson A.F.B.,(OH). Bell officials pointed out
while the XV-3 will never fly again; it remains an important part
of America's aviation heritage.
Built by Bell in 1954 in Fort Worth under a joint Army/Air Force
contract, the XV-3 successfully demonstrated the concept that by
rotating its outboard prop-rotors up or down, the aircraft could
take off and land vertically like a traditional helicopter as well
as fly with the high-speed and range of a fixed wing
airplane.
From 1955 through 1959,
the Bell XV-3 graced the skies over Dallas and Fort Worth, proving
conclusively the value of tiltrotor technology. Following the
flight test program, the XV-3 was turned over to the Army, which
has stored the dis-assembled aircraft at the Army Aviation Museum,
Fort Rucker,(AL).
Bell's follow-on tiltrotor aircraft after the XV-3, was the
twin-engine turbine powered XV-15, which is on permanent display at
The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center,
Chantilly, Virginia.
The XV-3 restoration project will take place near where the
first V-22 tiltrotor aircraft were built and test flown as well as
where the newest and first civil tiltrotor, the BA609, is being
developed.
More News
Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]
Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]
Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]
Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]