' has this ever been attempted before '
Yes it was called a sea harrier.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_harrier
Apparently difficult to fly
A more recent development and very cool clip.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:F-35_compilation.ogg
Apparently very easy to fly ( computers keep it all stable )
I watched a doco on it recently the guys at Lockheed Martin said about 5mins to teach a fighter pilot to hover the thing. Helicopter pilots find it way to easy and get bored..