Name: The Missing Century Fighters: XF-109
Uploaded: 2016-01-01
Duration: 28 min 58 s
Description: As the last of the Century series fighters, the XF-109 was far from conventional. Designed for Mach 2 flight, it was to be the world's first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter. Unfortunately for Bell, it would take them out of the fighter business forever.

As the last of the Century series fighters, the XF-109 was far from conventional. Designed for Mach 2 flight, it was to be the world's first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter. Unfortunately for Bell, it would take them out of the fighter business forever.

Explore the bold design of Bell's XF-109, envisioned as a Mach 2 vertical takeoff-and-landing fighter for both the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Through its eight-engine layout, shifting requirements, and rising complexity, this film reveals why such a futuristic aircraft never moved beyond the mock-up stage. Sign up to see how one radical concept helped define the limits of fighter design.

Inside Bell's unrealized Mach 2 VTOL fighter, ambition meets engineering limits.

The Missing Century Fighters: XF-109

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Inside Bell's unrealized Mach 2 VTOL fighter, ambition meets engineering limits.

Love The Missing Century Fighters: XF-109? It’s just the start.

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Inside Bell's unrealized Mach 2 VTOL fighter, ambition meets engineering limits.

Love The Missing Century Fighters: XF-109? It’s just the start.

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Pick the plan that’s right for you.

Frequently asked questions