The undercarriage was replaced with a "tail-sitting" rig, and the first free hovering flight took place on 28th May 1956.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Ryan X-13 Vertijet - СШАUSA - 1955

Стенд для испытания системы управления
This simple steel tubular structure, which is still in use as a test rig for developing control systems, provided support for the first of the jet reaction control systems installed on the test vehicle predecessor to the X-13.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Ryan X-13 Vertijet - СШАUSA - 1955

The test rig was fitted with a delta wing, refined jet reaction system and a cockpit, which enabled test pilot Pete Girard to sit upright atop engine's forward end. The cockpit was made from a scrap B-47 fuel tank.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Ryan X-13 Vertijet - СШАUSA - 1955