Dornier Do-X Flying Boat

Massive for its day and, with a greater wingspan than a Boeing 757, airliner-sized even today, the Doriner Do-X flying boat served as a luxurious means of interconental travel for up to 100 passengers in the early 1930s. Powered by twelve 600-horsepower V-12 piston engines, the 108,000-pound Do-X cruised at 110 mph for up to 920 nautical miles. Were it not for the effects of the Great Depression in 1929, it might have seen success as a trans-Atlantic airliner, but ultimately, only three were built and none survive today.

Dornier Do-X Flying Boat
Piper Cub Catapult Takeoff
February 9, 2026

Piper Cub Catapult Takeoff

An industrious aircraft salesman develops a system of elastic bands to launch his Piper Cub from small clearings, enabling operation from his backyard.
Pan Am Helicopter Transfer
January 29, 2026

Pan Am Helicopter Transfer

A ramp view of passengers transferring between an airliner and a helicopter for quick and easy access to Manhattan.
Tangential Runway Concept
December 15, 2025

Airport Design: The Tangential Runway Concept

A novel airport design concept emerged in the 1940s, promising speed and efficiency, but ultimately failed to overcome regulatory and operational realities.