1/72 Bell XV-15 Tiltrotor

Anigrand Craftswork - 1/72 Bell XV-15 Tiltrotor. In 1965, U.S. Army issued a proposal request for an aircraft that would have both helicopter and airplane characteristics to replace the Boeing CH-47 helicopter and C-7 transport. Bell submitted the tilt-rotor design but the request was dropped in 1968. Bell decided to continue the development as the civil Vtol transport. In 1970, a full size rotor and rotating mechanisms were tested at the Nasa wind tunnel. It led to Nasa and Army interesting, and jointed to fund the program with two research aircraft, designated XV-15. Its configuration was a pair of turboshaft engine mounted at main wing tip. The nacelle could tilt through 90 degree for Vtol and cruise flight. First flight was tested in 1977. Handling was judged as easier than helicopter. In 1980's, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard also jointed the test program. Flight testing continued until 2003. It had accumulated a total of 530 flight hours and was flown by over 185 pilots.