Mention the term “X-plane,” and most envision shadowy experimental military aircraft with mind-numbing performance. From the X-1, which was the first to break the sound barrier, to the X-15, which could cross the Karman line and enter space, X-planes have historically been defined by immense power, blinding speed, and sleek lines reminiscent of fictional spaceships.
Conversely, when discussing X-planes, most tend not to envision design features like an open cockpit, fixed landing gear, and a maximum speed only four knots faster than the cruise speed of a Cessna 182. Most also would not expect this category of aircraft to utilize second-hand Beechcraft parts. But these characteristics define the bizarre Bell X-14, an experimental vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jet with a somewhat agricultural aesthetic. Further differentiating it from other X-planes was a second life as a trainer for NASA astronauts to refine their moon-landing skills and a dramatic last-minute rescue from a scrapyard.
