Williams X-Jet

The Williams X-Jet, created by Williams International, was a small, light-weight Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) system powered by a modified Williams F107 turbofan aircraft engine. It was designed to be operated by and carry one person and controlled by leaning in the direction of desired travel and adjusting the power. It could move in any direction, accelerate rapidly, hover, and rotate on its axis, staying aloft for up to 45 minutes and traveling at speeds up to 60 miles per hour (100 km/h). It was evaluated by the U.S. Army in the 1980s, and was deemed inferior to the capabilities of helicopters and small unmanned aircraft.

Other VTOL systems developed by Williams International included a jet-powered flying belt developed in 1969, which was powered by a Williams WR19 fanjet, and the WASP (Williams Aerial Systems Platform) developed in the 1970s, which was powered by the more powerful WR19–9.

Specifications (X-Jet)

General characteristics

• Crew: one pilot
• Footprint: 4 ft² (0.4 m²)
• Height: 4 ft 0 in (1.22 m)
• Empty: 400 lb (182 kg)
• Loaded: 550 lb (250 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 1x modified Williams F107 turbofan, 600 lbf (2.7 kN) thrust

Performance

• Maximum speed: 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Range: endurance of 30–45 minutes
• Service ceiling: 10,000 ft (3,049 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Thrust-to-weight: 1.11:1

Sources

• Display information at Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.
• http://jetpack.free.fr/journaux/guardian20000914.htm

Related content

• Related development:
• Comparable aircraft: VZ-1 Pawnee
• Designation sequence: