| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 54-148 |
| Alternate Serial: | 4148 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | Bell XV-3 |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | Bell XV-3 |
| Aircraft Version: | Bell XV-3 |
| C/n (msn): | 2 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Army / NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Dayton - Wright-Patterson AFB / Wright AFBMap |
| Region / Country: | Ohio, United States |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: KDWF IATA: - Local: DWF Other: - |
| Collection: | National Museum of the United States Air Force |
| Photo Date: | 16 December 2024 |
| Photo by: | Richard Vandervord |
| Photo ID: | 828768 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
Bell completed two tilt-rotor XV-3s and began hover tests in 1955. The first one was damaged beyond repair, but testing continued with the second aircraft. The first complete rotation from takeoff to horizontal flight and back took place in December 1958. After testing ended in 1965, the surviving XV-3 went on display at Fort Rucker, AL and later into storage. From 2004 it was restored by Bell Helicopter Textron and arrived at the museum in 2007 This photo is copyright © Richard Vandervord, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 25 July 2025, and has since been viewed 68 times. |