Specifications and History of the Bell X-22A Aircraft

A Lithonia, Georgia-based bankruptcy attorney, Stanley J. Kakol Jr. draws upon nearly three decades of relevant experience to help clients prepare for Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, which sometimes includes litigation before bankruptcy courts. Outside his professional pursuits, Stanley J. Kakol Jr. enjoys flying radio-controlled airplanes. His father was a famous test pilot who holds distinction as the first-ever pilot to fly the Bell X-22A.

A 39-foot-6-inch long aircraft with a wingspan of 39 feet and 3 inches, the Bell X-22A completed its maiden voyage on March 17, 1966. It was the second model of the aircraft built, after the first was heavily damaged in August 1965. Spare parts from the first model were used to construct the second X-22A. The plane had four GE YT58-GE-8D shaft turbine engines, weighed 18,016 pounds, and could reach a maximum speed of 255 miles per hour.

The Bell X-22A was initially designed to test the effectiveness of ducted lift propellers for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which encompasses helicopters and tiltrotors. It featured a trio of blade propellers situated on top of four wings. These propellers tilted upwards during take-off. It was in operation until 1984 and is now displayed at the Niagara Aerospace Museum.