The plane that took off vertically in 1954. Most people think vertical takeoff jets are modern tech, but in 1954, the U.S. tested the Ryan X-13 Vertijet, a bizarre experimental aircraft that could launch straight up like a rocket, hover, then tilt forward and fly like a jet. It had no runway. It was tethered to a mobile platform. Once airborne, it balanced on jet thrust alone, using reaction controls to stabilize. After test flights proved it could take off, maneuver, and land vertically, the mi

AV-8B Harrier II taking off vertically A Harrier jet takes off vertically from a stream of fast moving air through nozzles attached to the side of the engine. During vertical takeoff, the engine provides a fast moving stream of air which is directed downward by four nozzles. The stream of air creates a reaction force. This upward reaction force counteracts the weight of the aircraft (and it’s payload) allowing vertical acceleration. 🎥: USMC Beaufort, SC ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #aircraft #airplane #avg