Eclipse Concept Jet

First flown in 2007, the sleek Eclipse Concept Jet was a “Very Light Jet” prototype that flew but never reached production. Intended to compete with several other entrants to the emerging segment, it utilized a unique layout incorporating a single engine mounted in a dorsal pod and a large V-tail to keep the tail surfaces clear of the hot engine exhaust.

Unlike most other very light jets that tended to utilize larger, six-place cabins, Eclipse chose to design this aircraft around only four seats, on par with small single-engine piston aircraft. This translated to efficiency, with the small jet burning approximately 45 gallons per hour at 350 knots.

eclipse-concept-jet

Despite receiving nearly 100 deposits for the Concept Jet, Eclipse faced financial difficulties and abandoned the program. They ultimately declared bankruptcy and restructured, leaving the sole Concept Jet to gather cobwebs in the corner of a hangar in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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.