Ryan XV-5 Vertifan

The Ryan XV-5 Vertifan was an experimental vertical‑takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft developed in the early 1960s by Ryan Aeronautical for the United States Army. Conceived under the Army's VTOL transport program, the Vertifan first flew on 30 April 1963 and completed its flight‑test program by 1966. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of lift‑fans located in the wing and fuselage, driven directly by the turbojet engines through power‑transfer gearboxes. This arrangement allowed the aircraft to rise vertically, transition to conventional forward flight, and land again without using conventional thrusters or rotors. The XV‑5 carried a crew of two and could hover for several minutes while carrying a modest payload. Although the program was cancelled after proving the concept, the Vertifan demonstrated the practicality of ducted‑fan VTOL propulsion, influencing later designs such as the Boeing YC‑14 and modern lift‑fan systems used on the F‑35B. Its innovative use of engine‑driven fans marked a significant step in exploring alternatives to helicopters for tactical transport, highlighting the challenges of integrating lift‑fan technology into operational aircraft. The XV‑5 remains a rare example of a pure lift‑fan VTOL prototype and continues to be studied by aviation historians and engineers.