Although the C-142 did not go into production, it foreshadowed future operational V/STOL transports such as the V-22 Osprey. Tested extensively by the US Army, Navy, Air Force and NASA, the XC-142A first transitioned from vertical take-off to level flight and back to vertical landing in January 1965 and could be flown from airspeeds of 35 mph backwards to 400 mph forwards.The aircraft seen here, the only example remaining out of five, was flown to the museum in 1970 and was one of many types kept outside until indoor accommodation was expanded sufficiently - my 1973 photo here

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.