The Revolutionary French Plane That Could Take Off Anywhere

🚀The French designed a tail sitting plane with a cylindrical wing and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

🔧The plane required powerful engines and new control systems for vertical takeoff and landing.

🔄The plane had a swiveling cockpit seat to allow the pilot to remain upright regardless of the aircraft's orientation.

💥During a test flight, the prototype lost control during transition and crashed, halting further development.

🔚The tail sitting plane concept was eventually abandoned due to compromises in payload, range, and safety.

What was the purpose of the tail sitting plane?

—The purpose was to have a plane that could take off and land vertically and protect vulnerable targets.

What challenges did the plane face?

—The plane faced challenges with control, landing, and judging distance from the ground.

Did the plane achieve supersonic speeds?

—No, the plane did not achieve supersonic speeds as the radical cylindrical wing concept was not successful.

Was the plane able to land without engine power?

—No, the plane always required its engine to land safely.

Why was the tail sitting plane concept abandoned?

—The concept was abandoned due to compromises in payload, range, and safety.

00:00In the 1950s, the French designed a revolutionary plane with a cylindrical wing and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

02:22The plane required powerful engines and new control systems for vertical takeoff and landing.

03:57The plane had a swiveling cockpit seat to allow the pilot to remain upright regardless of the aircraft's orientation.

05:46During a test flight, the prototype lost control during transition and crashed, halting further development.

06:26The tail sitting plane concept was eventually abandoned due to compromises in payload, range, and safety.