The C-142 tiltrotor failed to make it into service but 'United States of America' titles were worn as on VIP aircraft, probably because it was originally a joint USAF, Army and Navy project. Note the little horizontal tail rotor for pitch control. 62-5924 to NASA in 1968, to USAF Museum in 1970. Photo by: John Dominis / Life

Tilt-wing test aircraft. To the museum in 1970. Later moved inside the Research and Development Gallery.

Ex 62-5924

Built by Vought at then NAS Dallas, the first XC-142A first flew with a horizontal take-off and landing on 29 September 1964. Photo from: Wright State University

This was a Tri-Service Tilt wing V/STOL experimental transport, which first flew in Dec.1964. Problems with its cross linked drive shaft, instability and a fatal crash were amongst reasons why the programme ceased after 420 flight hours in 1967. Now preserved at Wright Patterson AFB.

Four-engined experimental tilt-wing aircraft used in a joint NASA/USAF research program.

The sole survivor of five XC-142A tilt-wing test aircraft built in the mid 1960's. Allocated USAF serial 62-5924.

Ex-USAF 62-5924. Long before the V-22 Osprey came along, extensive tests were conducted with five examples of this tilt-wing design, with a first conventional flight in 9.64 and vertical take-off with transition to normal flight and back for vertical landing in 1.65. Excessive vibration and noise from the cross-linked drive shaft and wing flexing were major problems, but the concept showed promise. A joint USAF/Army/Navy project, the USN withdrew and interest faded, the last LTV XC-142A flying into the USAFM in 1970

Experimental tilt-wing transport design, only used for service tests. Ex USAF 62-5924.