Bell X-22
1960s American V/STOL aircraft
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Key Takeaways
- The Bell X-22 is an American V/STOL X-plane with four tilting ducted fans.
- Additionally, the X-22 was to provide more insight into the tactical application of vertical takeoff troop transporters such as the preceding Hiller X-18 and the X-22's successor, the Bell XV-15.
- The X-22 was not a prototype of the V-22 Osprey, although it was a part of the development of tilt-rotor aircraft and Bell's work in this field of study.
- Bell Helicopters already had extensive experience with VTOL aircraft and was able to utilize an already developed test mockup.
- It was unveiled at an event in Niagara Falls in May 1965.
The Bell X-22 is an American V/STOL X-plane with four tilting ducted fans. Takeoff was to selectively occur either with the propellers tilted vertically upwards, or on a short runway with the nacelles tilted forward at approximately 45°. Additionally, the X-22 was to provide more insight into the tactical application of vertical takeoff troop transporters such as the preceding Hiller X-18 and the X-22's successor, the Bell XV-15. Another program requirement was a true airspeed in level flight of at least 525 km/h (326 mph; 283 knots).
The X-22 was not a prototype of the V-22 Osprey, although it was a part of the development of tilt-rotor aircraft and Bell's work in this field of study.
Design and development
In 1962, the United States Navy announced their request for two prototype aircraft with V/STOL capability, powered by four ducted fan nacelles. Bell Helicopters already had extensive experience with VTOL aircraft and was able to utilize an already developed test mockup. In 1964 the prototype, internally referred to by Bell as Model D2127, was ordered by the Navy and received the X-22 designation. It was unveiled at an event in Niagara Falls in May 1965.
Three-bladed propellers were mounted on four wings and synchronized through a wave-interconnection system, were connected to four gas turbines which, in turn, were mounted in pairs on the rear wings. Maneuvering was achieved by tilting the propeller blades in combination with control surfaces (elevators and ailerons), which were located in the thrust stream of the propellers.
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