WHBM
Apologies for repeating the composite concept -I didn't see your mention of the Short Mayo on first reading.
I dont think 'verti planes 'took off' either other than as military prototype . A convair somethign i thing with immense contra rotating props and a very short fuselarge it sat on its tail for a vetical take off-that worked but reversing the process to land...... well apparently thatwas even more difficult than it sounds
PB