Five tilt-wing XC-142As were built in the 1960s to explore the suitability of Vertical/Short TakeOff and Landing (VSTOL) transports. VSTOL transports permit rapid movement of troops and supplies into and out of unprepared areas. XC-142As were tested extensively by the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and NASA.
An XC-142A first flew conventionally in September 1964 and performed its first transitional flight (vertical takeoff, changing to forward flight, and landing vertically) in January 1965. In tests, XC-142As were flown from airspeeds of 35 mph backwards to 400 mph forward.
Although the XC-142A did not go into production, it foreshadowed future operational VSTOL transports like the V-22 Osprey. The aircraft on display -- the only remaining XC-142A -- was flown to the museum in 1970.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Engines: Four General Electric T64s of 3,080 hp each
Maximum speed: 400 mph
Cruising speed: 235 mph
Range: 820 miles
Service ceiling: 25,000 feet
Weight: 41,500 lbs. maximum
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