X-13 Vertijet

aircraft

Also known as: Ryan X-13 Vertijet

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The Ryan X-13 Vertijet was an experimental aircraft designed to take off and land vertically. It utilized jet engines for vertical lift and then transitioned to horizontal flight. While it successfully demonstrated vertical and horizontal flight capabilities, including "tail-sitter" landings, its operational limitations in speed, range, and payload prevented further development. This technology was ultimately rejected due to these constraints.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

helicopter
Fixed jet
An early example, the Ryan X-13 Vertijet, was launched from a trailer bed that was erected vertically prior to takeoff. The aircraft flew successfully in vertical and horizontal modes, including takeoff and “tail-sitter” landings, but the operational limitations in terms of speed, range, and payload were too great for further…
Read More
An early example, the Ryan X-13 Vertijet, was launched from a trailer bed that was erected vertically prior to takeoff. The aircraft flew successfully in vertical and horizontal modes, including takeoff and “tail-sitter” landings, but the operational limitations in terms of speed, range, and payload were too great for further…
Read More