The Future of Civil Aviation, as Envisioned in the 1960s
In the early 1960s, Lockheed launched the L-2000 supersonic transport (SST) program and built the mockup shown here. Intended to carry 250 passengers and travel at Mach 2.7 – 3.0, the L-2000 was intended to compete with Europe’s Concorde, but the program was ultimately canceled before any airworthy examples could be built.
Topics Related To: AVIATION HISTORY
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.
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.
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.
