From The Archives: Army XV-5A Vertical Takeoff Aircraft In Test Flight Phase

Aviation Week & Space Technology Dec. 14, 1964 cover features a composite photo of four Army XV-5A Vertical Takeoff aircraft. 

The image shows the second XV-5A Army fan-in-wing V/STOL research aircraft making a vertical takeoff and transitioning to forward flight during tests at Edwards Air Force Base, California. 

General Electric was prime contractor and developer of the lift-fan power system; Ryan Aeronautical Co. built the airframe, and Republic Aviation Corp. was flight-testing the aircraft. 

Refer to the issue dated November 23, 1964, on page 38, to view additional images of the aircraft in flight stages and for modification details on the proposed advanced XV-5A version.

The aircraft had reconnaissance potential with close troop support as a secondary role. We reported in the Nov.23, 1964 issue that there was talk of the aircraft serving as a replacement for the Grumman OV-1C Mohawk. 

The XV-5A is a subsonic aircraft, but a Republic official claimed the advanced version would be able to perform a supersonic high altitude intercept mission. 

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