During the late 1950s, there was extensive interest in the vertical takeoff and landing concept for aircraft, with multiple experimental types ordered to develop the technology for potential service. The United States Navy contracted with Kaman Aircraft of Bloomfield, Connecticut, to build a testbed based on the company's 'rotorprop' concept for tiltwing aircraft,[1] using a Grumman JRF-5 Gooseamphibian and other existing parts to reduce the cost and time necessary.[2] The fuselage and tail of the Goose were mated to a new tilting wing and engine configuration;[3] the maximum angle of incidence allowed was only 50 degrees; the rotorprop was expected to provide sufficient thrust to allow VTOL operations despite the low angle.[1]
Operational history
Delivered in late 1959, the K-16B underwent extensive wind tunnel testing, along with some tethered hops, to evaluate the tiltwing configuration's aerodynamic characteristics.[4] Flight testing was originally anticipated to begin in the fall of 1960,[2] however these preliminary tests continued into 1962.[5] That year the project was cancelled with the aircraft having not conducted its first free flight.[4]
.jpg)
