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Using the radial force lift concept proven by the X-100, Curtiss-Wright designed a six-passenger civil executive transport, originally designated the X-200. As part of the Army/Navy/Air Force Tri-Service Assault Transport Program, the Air Force contracted for conversion of two prototypes, designated X-19, extensively modified for military requirements with ejection seats, rescue hoist, mock refueling probe and a fuselage stretch for improved passenger access. The 44 ft long aircraft was powered by two Lycoming T55-L-7 turboshaft engines producing 2,650 shp each. At the end of each tandem wing was a 13 ft three-bladed wide chord, high twist propeller. In order to eliminate gyroscopic and torque effects, propellers located diagonally rotated in the same direction. Roll, pitch and yaw were all controlled by differential propeller pitch. Empty weight as flown reached 10,000 lb, and gross weight over 12,000 lb.
The first aircraft hovered on 20 November 1963, but suffered a hard landing. It was repaired, but problems with the control system and a series of mechanical problems plagued the program. On 25 August 1965 a transmission part failure caused an asymmetric lift situation, which allowed the crew to validate the operation of their ejection seats. When the program was canceled four months later, the first aircraft had made 50 flights, but for a total of only four hours. The second aircraft was never flown.
Source: AHS V/STOL Wheel
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