(X-14A, X-14B)
First Flight (First Free Flight): November
16, 1954
Mission: VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) test bed
Major Accomplishments: Proved the concept of thrust vectoring jet
exhaust nozzles to provide lift to VTOL aircraft.
Power Source (Original): 2 Armstrong-Siddely Viper 8 turbojets (1,900
lb thrust max)
Power Source (NASA, 1959): 2 General Electric J85-GE-5s turbojets (2,680
lb thrust max)
Power Source (NASA, final: 2 General Electric J85-GE-19s
turbojets (3,015 lb thrust max)
Wing Span: 33' 10"
Length: 26'
Weight (Loaded): 4,200 lb
Maximum Achieved Speed: 172 mph
Maximum Achieved Altitude: Approx. 18,000 ft.
Additional Information: The X-14 was the X-Plane with possibly
the longest research flight life. It is also the only open cockpit X-Plane.
Beginning tethered flights in February of 1957, the single X-14 constructed
was not retired until late in 1981, due to damage from a hard landing. During
these years, there were no serious incidents or injuries incurred from flying
the X-14. Over 25 pilots flew the X-14 as their first VTOL experience in
preparation for flying more advance VTOL craft.
The X-14 is now on display at the US
Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker Alabama.
