Beechcraft X-700 Concept

In the late 1970s, Beechcraft conducted studies on a replacement for the King Air. Called the X-700, the new aircraft would incorporate a cabin with large windows and a round cross section, the latter of which would enable greater pressurization and higher altitude capability. The X-700 was envisioned to evolve into a family of straight-wing turboprops and swept-wing jets utilizing a common fuselage design. Ultimately, Beechcraft canceled the program before any flying examples were built.

The McDonnell XP-67 “Moonbat” Represented Ambition Outpacing Engineering
July 29, 2026

The McDonnell XP-67 “Moonbat” Represented Ambition Outpacing Engineering

The McDonnell XP-67 “Moonbat” combined cutting-edge technologies, including a blended-wing body and Continental XL-1430 engines, in pursuit of 472 mph performance. Engine overheating and aerodynamic instability ended the ambitious program before it could reach production.
Grob G600
July 18, 2026

From Business Jet to Spy Plane: How a Civilian Jet Design Nearly Became a Military Surveillance Platform

Grob’s G600 concept would have converted a business jet into a 65,000-foot spy plane with 33 hours of endurance.
Northrop HL-10 Lifting Body Aircraft
June 2, 2026

Northrop HL-10 Lifting Body Aircraft

To help study the science of spacecraft reentry into Earth’s atmosphere, NASA flew and evaluated various lifting-body aircraft.