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.

XB-70 Drooped Wingtips
June 30, 2025

XB-70 Valkyrie Drooping Wingtips

Among the historic and innovative aircraft on display in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the Bede BD-5 showcases a legacy that belies its diminutive size.
The Jetstar
June 30, 2025

NASA Lockheed Jetstar

Originally designed as one of the first purpose-built business jets, the Lockheed L-1329 Jetstar cast a formidable shadow even before the installation of NASA’s experimental equipment. Unlike most business jets, the Jetstar utilized four engines – and it did so with the unique rear-mounted arrangement seen here.
tlc_Aircraft-Design_3
June 30, 2025

Unique Aircraft Design of the 1970s

Originally constructed in 1971 as part of a general aviation design study, this rarely seen Beechcraft concept model was utilized for wind-tunnel analysis and never reached production.