1.
LS HANGAR, AIRCRAFT WHEELED OUT
0.08

2.
MS DITTO
0.33

3.
CS SIGN "X-19 V.T.O.L.", PAN ALONG AIRCRAFT
0.50

4.
MS AIRCRAFT (REAR VIEW)
1.02

5.
LS DITTO
1.11

6.
MS DITTO
1.14

7.
CS DITTO
1.19

8.
CS ENGINE
1.24

9.
MS AIR FORCE OFFICERS
1.31

10.
LS AIRCRAFT
1.40



Initials IT/N/BHH/ES/BB



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A NEW VERTICAL TAKE-OFF PLANE - THE CURTIS-WRIGHT X-19 - THIS WEEK MADE ITS FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE IN THE UNITED STATES.THE STRANGE-LOOKING AIRCRAFT HAS FOUR BROAD-BLADED PROPELLERS: ONE AT EACH END OF THE MAIN WING, WITH THE OTHER TWO MOUNTED ON THE TAILPLANE TIPS.

FOR TAKING OFF AND LANDING, THE ENGINES ARE USED IN A VERTICAL POSITION, AND ARE TURNED TO THE HORIZONTAL FOR LEVEL FLIGHT.THIS GIVES THE X-19 THE MANOEUVRABILITY OF A HELICOPTER BUT ITS FLYING SPEED OF 460 MILES AN HOUR IS VERY MUCH GREATER.IT WILL CARRY SIX PASSENGERS.

NOW BEING DEVELOPED FOR THE AMERICAN ARMED FORCES, THE NEW PLANE IS ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AS A SHORT-HAUL COMMERCIAL AIRLINER OPERATING DIRECT FROM SPECIAL CENTRES RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE CITIES.ITS FIRST FLIGHT TRIALS ARE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER.