Boeing 727 Rocket Takeoff
For a time, Mexicana operated a small fleet of Boeing 727s with rockets. Known as rocket assisted takeoff, or “RATO”, these provided supplemental thrust in the event of an engine failure during takeoff. The combination of high-altitude and high temperatures at many of the airports serviced by Mexicana created conditions that otherwise have limited payload to ensure the necessary climb performance would be met.
Topics Related To: AVIATION HISTORY
White House Lawn Landing
What kind of individual would purposely land an airplane on the White House lawn? In modern times, one interested in lengthy imprisonment – if they survive the landing at all.
Larson Speed Bird
Based on a standard Taylorcraft taildragger, the Larson Speed Bird was an experimental testbed built to evaluate a unique, all-metal wing design.
Eclipse Concept Jet
First flown in 2007, the sleek Eclipse Concept Jet was a “Very Light Jet” prototype that flew but never reached production.
