P-38 Lightnings on Carrier Deck

Lockheed P-38 Lightnings and North American P-51 Mustangs are transported aboard a US Navy escort carrier enroute to Europe during WWII. While neither of these types were capable of operating from a carrier, they were commonly disassembled and loaded onto lighter escort carriers for long-distance transport. Wings, propellers, and control surfaces were removed and engines and canopies were covered for protection from the elements during the transport.

Lockheed P-38 Lightnings
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.