The VZ-3 was a simple proof-of-concept experimental aircraft using blown flaps to achieve a short or near vertical take-off.

It was a high-wing monoplane powered by an Avco Lycoming T53 turboshaft engine located inside the fuselage driving two large-diameter propellers mounted, one on each wing.

It had wide-span double retractable trailing-edge flaps, these were extended into the propeller slipstream for takeoff.

To enable control while in the hover it had a universally-jointed jet-deflection nozzle at the rear of the aircraft.

The aircraft conducted a 21-flight test program for the United States Army until it crashed in 1959.