Ryan X-13
From the placard:
The X-13 was designed to test the idea of vertical takeoff, transition
to horizontal flight, and return to vertical flight for landing by jet
aircraft. Equipped with a temporary tricycle landing gear, it was
first flown conventionally on December 10, 1955, to test its overall
aerodynamic characteristics. It was then fitted with a temporary
"tail-sitting" rig and on May 28, 1956, flown from the ground in a
vertical position to test its horizontal qualities.
The airplane made history on April 11, 1957, when it completed its
first full-cycle flight. It took off vertically from its mobile
trailer, rose into the air, nosed over into a level attitude, and flew
around Edwards AFB, California, for several minutes. It then reversed
the procedure to vertical flight and slowly descended to its trailer
for a safe "landing." The X-13 on display, one of two built, was the
Vertijet which made the full-cycle flight on April 11, 1957. It was
transferred to the Air Force Museum in May 1959
