"Jim Atkins" wrote in message . net...
Aren't there severe weight problems involved with separate vertical and
horizontal systems? Seems I recall things like Dornier's transport (Do 31?)
with dedicated lift jets that could just barely transport the weight of the
crew.

There is a weight penalty, but that would have to be set against the
greater efficiency of a rotor and turboprops which were specialised
for their purpose (the V-22's prop-rotors are too small to be
efficient rotors, too large to be efficient propellers). In any case,
the weight penalty for the Rotodyne is probably at a minimum, as we're
not talking about needing separate engines, just ducting the gas to
the tip-jets. And compared with a fixed-wing plane, the extra rotor
weight is offset to some extent by the need for a smaller wing, and
probably also by the need for less rugged undercarriage.

Tony Williams
Military gun and ammunition website: http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk
Military gun and ammunition discussion forum:
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