This Unbelievable Jet-Powered VTOL Is The Solely One Of Its Variety

Despite wanting like one thing from a science-fiction movie, the Do-31’s flight check have been profitable. Starting in early 1967, all method of maneuvers have been undertaken: from its signature vertical takeoff and hovering, to standard horizontal flight, and even flying backward. 

In response to the aviation journal Hush-Package, “Payload functionality was 36 absolutely geared up troops, or ‘two or three’ Jeeps, or palleted freight, as much as a most of 11,000 kilos, and a spread of 1,100 miles was anticipated with most payload.” Most pace was roughly 710 Km/H (440 MPH).

The jet’s recognition culminated on the 1969 Paris Airshow, the place it amazed most people and caught the eye of a number of American producers corresponding to Convair; a few of whom even noticed potential for civilian use, however finally no deal was struck. Though the check plane had met its objectives, the undertaking was nonetheless deserted in 1970. Ultimately it was simply too costly, too gas thirsty, and too advanced — requiring a whopping 10 engines, solely two of which have been really utilized in ahead flight.

A complete of three Do-31s have been constructed: one static testbed, and two flyable prototypes. The whereabouts of the non-flying airframe is unknown, however the two flying examples are each in German museums. One is on the Dornier Museum in Friedrichshafen, and the opposite might be discovered on the Flugwerft Schleissheim close to Munich.

[Featured image by Ralf Manteufel via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | GFDL 1.2]