Unusual Aircraft Designs We Didn’t Know Exist


Have you ever wondered how planes looked like in the beginning? Well, let us tell you, they were pretty weird. Many of them were built to prove a point or to advance the science of aerodynamics.

Fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the journey of history’s strangest aircraft that ever flew the sky.

These are some of the most bizarre designs to ever make it to the prototype and take flight.  These “babies” were made with a lot of creativity, determination and effort.

It’s amazing what kind of things can get airborne.

Top 10 fascinating history machines

1. The Stipa – Caproni (1932) – experimental Italian aircraft designed by Luigi Stipa

Stipa-Caproni
This unusual, chubby plane was developed in Italy and it looked like a flying barrel.

Making it more bizarre was barrel-shaped fuselage, with the entire interior of the fuselage being a gigantic fan which gave it a strange Looney Tunes appearance.

2. Vought V-173 (1942) – also known as “The Flying Pancake”

Vought_V-173
The Flying Pancake looked like a ray with two propeller shafts emerging from either side of the round fuselage. This unique designed airplane made more than 190 flights and accumulated 131 hours of flight time. It was built during the Second World War and had near vertical take-off.

Vought V-173  taking-off.

3. Leduc 0.10 (1947) – research aircraft from France
leduc010

As you may already know as aircraft enthusiasts, Leduc 0.10 was the world’s first plane that was powered by ramjet (a form of air breathing jet engine that uses the engine’s forward motion to compress incoming air without an axial compressor). Ramjets are incapable of producing trust at the zero speed of air, so Leduc couldn’t take-off on its own.

The scientist had come across an interesting solution to the Leduc 0.10 flying mechanism problem, watch in the video below.

4. Rolls-Royce Thrust Measuring Rig (1954) – known as “Flying Bedstead”
flying_bedstead

This “naked” and strange looking machine was a pioneer of vertical take-off. The jet pipes were mounted closely to minimize pitch and roll. The pilot was on top of the rig on a steel platform.
To see how flying looks like in “The Flying Bedstead” watch the video below.

5.SNECMA Coléoptère (1959) – single person aircraft with annular wing
SNECMA coleoptere

This aircraft looked like a space ship and was designed to take-off and land vertically requiring little space. SNECMA made 8 successful flights (max 800 m). The ninth flight was fatal, the plane was crushed, but the pilot managed to escape with an ejection (150m).

For more info watch SNECMA C 450 01 Coléoptère below.

The second prototype unfortunately didn’t come to life because of the lack of funding.

6. Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar (1959)
avrocar_59

This is the closest looking NLO made by humankind. This amazing machine was conceived as a part of the secret project during the Cold War. Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar was imagined as a fighter plane, but ended up being high-performance helicopter.
If you are interested in seeing Avro Canada VZ-9 Avrocar in action, watch the video below.

7.  Aero Spacelines Pregnant Guppy (1962)
Pregnant_Guppy_NASA

The Pregnant Guppy was the first aircraft that could replace ships as outsized cargo transporter. This whale looking machine was used for transporting the rocket boosters, therefore the need for the “big belly”.

8. Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep (1962)

Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep
Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep was a prototype of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Although the Airgeep was intended to operate within a few feet of the ground, it was also capable of flying at several thousand feet. The VZ-8 Airgeep successfully passed its testing phase with the ability to glide to soaring heights of 914 m, just incredible.

The funny looking machine was quite a unique, watch video about Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep for more details.

9.  Bell X-22 (1966) – developed as U.S.A research aircraft
Bell X-22

Bell X-22 was sponsored by the US Navy. Because of its unique design with a ducted fan system, it can lift off like a helicopter. The Bell X-22 led to the commercial variant of the V-22 Osprey aircraft.

Bell X-22 vertical take off experimental plane test.

10. Bartini Beriev VVA-14 (1972) – Caspian Sea Monster
Bartini_VVA-14

Designed to be able to take-off from the water and fly at high speed over long distances,but also have the capability of “flying” efficiently just above the sea surface. After Bartini’s death in 1974, the project slowed and eventually drew to a close, the aircraft having conducted 107 flights, with a total flight time of 103 hours.

To see more, check out “Strange Aircraft“.

3.67 / 5 (3 votes)

Sharing buttons

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Player comments

More things for you to discover:

Top 5 Emergency (Miracle) Airplane Landings

Top 5 Emergency (Miracle) Airplane Landings

10 votes

Full Screen Since the beginning of aviation, thousands of planes have crashed, but sometimes when an air disaster strikes, pilots can react on time and prevent the final catastrophe. The following is a selection of plane disasters that had safe landing. US Airways A320 landing on the Hudson River. The most famous and successful emergency […]» Find out More

Top 10 Attack Helicopters

Top 10 Attack Helicopters

10 votes

Full Screen Attack helicopters emerged during the Cold War years when they proved to be the key component to victory in battlefield. Today’s attack helicopter has two main roles, to provide direct, close air support for ground troops and to destroy enemy armor concentrations (anti-tank role). What are the best attack helicopters? These are currently the […]» Find out More

Shocking Facts About Plane Safety

Shocking Facts About Plane Safety

9 votes

Full Screen Following a series of tragic incidents there is understandably a lot of fear that surrounds air travel, but nevertheless- flying is safe. Compared to other forms of transportation,j traveling by car is 100 times more deadly than flying in an airplane. Here are some of the facts about plane safety, you should know about, […]» Find out More

Plane Facts That Could Save Your Life – How To Survive A Plane Crash

Plane Facts That Could Save Your Life – How To Survive A Plane Crash

6 votes

Full Screen Although we often think airplane crashes are horrible and unsurvivable events, the survival rate of plane crashes from 1983-2000 was 95.7%. You can dramatically increase your chances of surviving even severe plane crash by knowing simple facts and making little changes. Be prepared, but not scared. Things you need to be aware of […]» Find out More

Acrobatic Flight Maneuver Moves

Acrobatic Flight Maneuver Moves

6 votes

Full Screen 1. Inside Loop/Outside Loop The Inside loop is the easiest of all stunt moves, it’s a vertical circle in the sky. Any RC Airplane with elevator is capable of looping. The Outside loop is also called a bunt. It’s an inside loop with the airplane inverted, so that the top of the plane faces outwards. […]» Find out More

25 Fun Facts About Aviation and Flying

25 Fun Facts About Aviation and Flying

6 votes

Full Screen Can you imagine life without air travel? Today, aviation allows people to experience new adventures, visit new countries, relax on far away beaches, build business relationships as well as to connect with family and friends abroad. The beauty of aviation is bringing people and countries together. How much do you really know about […]» Find out More

What Is The Fastest Jet In The World?

What Is The Fastest Jet In The World?

6 votes

Full Screen The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is the most advanced airplane ever built. It had an important role in a history as a spy plane. SR-17 “Blackbird” is a long range, strategic reconnaissance aircraft. This sleek and stealthy Air Force plane is still the fastest plane that has ever flown and was never hit by […]» Find out More

Things You Didn’t Know About Aircraft Graveyards

Things You Didn’t Know About Aircraft Graveyards

6 votes

Full Screen What happens when an aircraft is no longer needed? Have you ever wondered where do planes go to rust?  Aircraft graveyards often called boneyards are home to retired aircraft waiting to be recycled or reused. Dry climate The best aircraft locations for graveyards are places with dry climates because dry air reduces corrosion […]» Find out More

The Greatest Air to Air Battles in Military History

The Greatest Air to Air Battles in Military History

6 votes

Full Screen Humans have always sought to take over the air to gain an advantage in war. Initially, the military uses of flight were mainly focused on gaining a bird’s eye view of the battle field. Early attempts saw the use of manned kites in China and Japan to spy for military intelligence and communication. […]» Find out More

5 Plane Crashes Caused By Pilot Error

5 Plane Crashes Caused By Pilot Error

4 votes

Full Screen Did you know that 85% of plane crashes are caused by pilot error? Statistically speaking, flying is still the safest way to travel. No matter how the advanced technology is, there is always one element that is impossible to control: the human element, because human are prone to making mistakes, although the major […]» Find out More

Top 10 Celebrities Private Jets

Top 10 Celebrities Private Jets

5 votes

Full Screen Paul Allen – MIG 29 Fighter Jet Paul Allen, co-founder of the Microsoft has bought his own MIG 29 Fighter Jet worth 13.5$ billion. The MIG 29 has a max speed of 1,518 mph and a range of 1,500km. The Sultan of Brunei – Boeing 747-430 The sultan has a brand new, Boeing […]» Find out More

The Best Fighter Planes Of World War 2

The Best Fighter Planes Of World War 2

3 votes

Full Screen It’s hard to say, what the best fighter plane of World War 2 was, but we certainly can say that a few stood out during that historical period. To make it easier, we need to refine it further, depending on different characteristics, such as: longer effective range, best high attitude fighter, damage resistant […]» Find out More

5 Airplanes That Disappeared Without The Trace

5 Airplanes That Disappeared Without The Trace

3 votes

Full Screen “Every flight that has disappeared had its own story”, said the editor of the The Aviationist , David Cenciotti. Airplanes have been disappearing for decades, whether in remote areas of the ocean or mountain regions.  Many planes have gone missing, especially at the so called Bermuda Triangle. A series of disappearances in the […]» Find out More

How To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?

How To Become A Commercial Airline Pilot?

3 votes

Full Screen For so many years, people have dreamt about flying. Many have tried, but wasn’t until the Wright brothers, that Man was able to take a flight. If you are plane enthusiast, you’ve certainly asked yourself, how you can become the next great, airline pilot. Word of warning Do not enter this profession unless […]» Find out More

Shocking Airplane Crashes Caught On Camera

Shocking Airplane Crashes Caught On Camera

3 votes

Full Screen These are the most shocking airplane crashes caught on camera. Despite the fact it looks bad, people actually survived some of these plane crashes. Video shows these plane crashes: Air France Flight 296/Airbus A320-111 – 06/26/1988 – Fatality: 3/136 US Air Force Czar 52/B-52 Stratofortress – 06/24/1994 – Fatality: 4/4 Hawkins & Powers […]» Find out More

8 Most Terrifying Airport Runways

8 Most Terrifying Airport Runways

2 votes

Full Screen 1. Saint Maarten in the Caribbean – Princess Juliana International Airport This is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean.  Due to the short runway length (7,150 feet), planes on their final approach need to fly over the beach at minimal altitude, and over a part of the fence and the road. Because […]» Find out More

Best Rated Games

Into Space 3: XMas Story

Into Space 3: XMas Story

3 votes

Full Screen This sequel of well known game provides lots of new items and new mission system (150 missions). New upgrades and a lot of achievements. Faster gameplay and destroyable objects! Also, the big news is: Free falling is back 🙂 You can hold a space bar button to call self-destruct timer at any time. […]» Find out More

Air War 2 – Airplane War Games

Air War 2 – Airplane War Games

2 votes

Full Screen The enemy has sent their best fighter pilots into our air space. You have to fight them back. The goal of each stage is to take out every single enemy. To do this, you will have to shoot down the enemies while flying around and avoiding their attacks. To control your fighter plane, […]» Find out More

Fatal Flight

Fatal Flight

2 votes

Full Screen Fly your airplane in this fast race game. Collect as many yellow stars and avoid enemy planes along the way.» Find out More

Flight 3D Aerobatics

Flight 3D Aerobatics

1 votes

Full Screen Take the stick and fly through the rings in Flight 3D Aerobatics. Try different challenges and keep your eye on the fuel. Have fun playing realistic controls.» Find out More

Flying Coffins 4

Flying Coffins 4

1 votes

Full Screen Flying Coffins 4 is an exciting Skill Game and published on Dec 18th, 2012. Your task is to help the soul get out of the hell. To do this, you have to participate in air duel and win 10 times in a row. Then the doors of the hell will be opened…» Find out More

Skies Of War 2

Skies Of War 2

10 votes

Full Screen Skies of War 2 is about fighting against Enemy in Air and on the Ground. If you played the first edition than you already know everything there is to know. When you collect enough money you can buy a new Aircraft. Commands: Mouse for moving, SPACE for mini map, Buttons for Shooting.» Find out More

SteamBirds Survival Game

SteamBirds Survival Game

3 votes

Full Screen This game is played in turns like Chess. You need to outsmart the enemy aircrafts, get at their tails and shoot them. SteamBirds is very interesting game to play. Controls Mouse controls, with some keyboard shortcuts (mouseover buttons to see)» Find out More

Burning Skies – World War 2

Burning Skies – World War 2

3 votes

Full Screen Burning Skies is World War 2 airplane shooting game. Lead your missions, attack and defeat your enemies.» Find out More

Air Raid

Air Raid

1 votes

Full Screen Target accurately as many airplanes as you can. You only have thirty ammo so be careful with targeting. For game controls use keyboard arrows.» Find out More

SteamBirds 2 Game

SteamBirds 2 Game

1 votes

Full Screen SteamBirds is an exciting aerial-dogfighting action/strategy that you play in turns. From a top-down perspective you manage your squadron of aircraft and take on growing numbers of enemies — complete with boss fights, special abilities, powerups, and lots of flashy explosions! Controls Completely Mouse Driven. Click on things with Gold Circles!» Find out More

Airwar

Airwar

1 votes

Full Screen Pilot a modern attack helicopter to fight enemy forces consisting of similar tactical assault war choppers. Fly strategic fly paths to evade enemy rockets. Experience the joy and excitement of aerial combat with spectacular explosions, cannons, rockets and firepower. Fly and shoot as far as you can to get high score.» Find out More

Heli Force X Online

Heli Force X Online

3 votes

Full Screen Arcade shooting games like this one include enemy helicopters in large numbers, and those pilots want to see you dead. Go on and fire missiles as much as you like. Others will be shooting at you so why not shoot back, that’s your surviving plan. This game is played with mouse only.» Find out More

I Am Flying To The Moon Game

I Am Flying To The Moon Game

1 votes

Full Screen Your space program is taking off. Your mission is to reach the moon. Your space shuttle has limited fuel so, while flying, you need to collect the fuel tanks and money. Some ballons and planes are taking up the air space so try to avoid them. Controls arrow up- use boosters arrow down […]» Find out More

Lunar Rover – Flying Game

Lunar Rover – Flying Game

2 votes

Full Screen Luna rover is a fun game with flying doggy. Avoid obstacles along the way.» Find out More

Bomber at War Hacked

Bomber at War Hacked

1 votes

Full Screen Cheat description (What’s hacked?) God mode. Game Description Play through 20 levels of frantic air battles as you take aim at specified targets, including planes, battleships, turret stations, and more! Earn money to customize your ship and buy upgrades such as heavier armor, stronger bombs, and newer engines to help you take to […]» Find out More

Bloons Super Monkey Game

Bloons Super Monkey Game

1 votes

Full Screen For all the fans of Bloon Tower Defence here comes the good news . Our Mr. Monkey is back, this time in vertical scrolling game. And let us tell you something, this is even more fun 🙂 Upgrade weapons and blast the baloons of all colours. This game is addictiong. 🙂» Find out More

Falco Sky

Falco Sky

1 votes

Full Screen Become an American pilot who must protect countries and defeat all the enemies. Find a way to destroy your enemies as fast as possible. Can you do this? Will you win the World War?» Find out More

Take Flight 2 Game

Take Flight 2 Game

1 votes

Full Screen Play Take Flight 2 and see how far you can reach in the slow red plane that is running low on gas. In order to flight longer distance you constantly need to collect gas and also try to avoid manoeuvres that will cause speedy gas leaking. Play Commands Use your mouse to guide […]» Find out More

Airplane Flying Simulator 2023

Airplane Flying Simulator 2023

1 votes

Full Screen A 3D flight simulator is a type of video game that allows players to experience the thrill of flying without leaving their homes. Flight simulators can be used to learn the basics of flying, practice different flight maneuvers, or simply explore the world from a bird’s-eye view. 3D flight simulators have come a […]» Find out More

Sky Chopper

Sky Chopper

4 votes

Full Screen Enjoy this classic arcade helicopter game. Destroy all the enemies and collect powerups. Have fun playing this helicopter shooting game.» Find out More

Popular Games From Other Sites

Tower Defense Games

Strike Force Heroes 3 Game and avalible Online.

Minecraft

Play Minecraft for free! Build everything you can imagine and fight enemies.

Shooting Games

Find and play your favorite Shooting Games Hacked.

Action Games

Best .IO Games with lot of shooting and weapons.

Driving Games

Best Hacked Tower Defence Games and avalible Online.

Strategy Games

War Strategy Games, Tower Defense, Action, Shooting etc.