McDonnell XV-1

McDonnell · United States · first flew 1954 · reconnaissance aircraft

The McDonnell XV-1 was an American experimental convertiplane that used a pressure-jet-driven rotor for vertical take-off and a separate pusher propeller and stub wings for forward flight, achieving record rotorcraft speeds in the mid-1950s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.37 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Convertiplane with both a rotor and stub wings for high-speed flight
Pressure-jet rotor tip drive with pusher propeller for forward flight
Unique triple-rotor/propeller/wing combination for an experimental VTOL

A highly distinctive machine combining a large rotor above a stubby fuselage with small fixed wings, a pusher propeller at the tail, and a fully enclosed cabin — unlike any conventional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.

Specifications

The McDonnell XV-1 has a length of 15.37 m (50 ft).
It has a wingspan of 7.92 m (26 ft).
Its maximum speed is 327 km/h (203 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed under a US Army contract, the XV-1 first flew in 1954 and set a world speed record for rotorcraft of 327 km/h in 1956. The complex system required the rotor to autorotate in cruise while the pusher propeller provided thrust.

Variants

Two prototypes were built; no production followed as the concept was deemed too mechanically complex for operational use.

Where you'll see it

The XV-1 remained experimental throughout its life; it did not enter military service but provided valuable data on convertiplane aerodynamics.

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