The Fairey Rotodyne is described in a company brochure as the world's "first vertical take-off airliner in the world," though judging by its appearance it resembles a helicopter more than an airliner.

The brochure also describes the versatility of the Rotodyne, explaining how its ability to withstand large loads allows it to perform impressive tasks like the meticulous task of placing bridge segments in place on the ground.

When the company producing the craft did not deliver 12 Rotodynes ordered for the British Royal Air Force, interest in the project began to dwindle, and the project was scrapped in 1962.

Fairey Rotodyne : the first vertical take-off airliner in the world. Fairey Aviation Limited, 1959.

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