Convertiplane

A convertiplane, also known as a tilt-rotor aircraft or convertible aircraft, is a moving-wing aircraft fitted with conventional fixed wings. and propelled by propellers whose axis of rotation is steerable, which makes it a hybrid between an airplane and a helicopter.

When the speed is high enough for the wings to generate enough lift to keep the aircraft in flight, the axis of rotation of the propellers is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft, providing thrust.

When it is not, the propellers are oriented with a certain inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft in order to provide not only thrust, but also lift. The orientation can go up to more than 90º, in order to help in braking the aircraft in order to make a completely vertical landing.

This gives convertiplanes the ability to take off and land vertically (VTOL), while allowing them to achieve higher speeds in horizontal flight than a helicopter.

Convertible Planes

• Weserflug WP 1003
• XV-15
• V-22 Osprey
• AgustaWestland AW609
• BA609
• Focke Achgelis Fa 269