When you think about airplanes, you might picture modern jets soaring through the sky. But there was a time when other unique and amazing planes flew the skies.
These vintage aircraft played important roles in history, from carrying troops to breaking speed records.
Sadly, some of them were only prototypes and some no longer take to the skies. Each plane has its own story, and you’ll learn where they are now.
1. Boeing Model 40 (1925)
The Boeing Model 40 was a biplane that served as a mail carrier and a passenger plane in the 1920s. It had a large wingspan and could carry both mail and people.
The Model 40 was known for its reliability and helped lay the groundwork for commercial aviation.
Where it is now: Today, the Boeing 40C is the only working Boeing 40 in the world and is the oldest Boeing plane still flying. (ref) A Boeing 40B is displayed at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington (ref) and showcases the early days of air travel and the evolution of Boeing.
2. North American XB-70 Valkyrie (1964)
The North American XB-70 Valkyrie was a unique supersonic bomber designed to fly at high altitudes and speeds. Its futuristic design featured six engines and delta wings, making it look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
It was intended for long-range missions but was never put into service.
Where it is now: Only two prototypes were built. (ref) One is at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, while the other is at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
These planes show off cutting-edge technology from the 1960s.
3. Lockheed Vega (1927)
The Lockheed Vega was an early aircraft known for its sleek design and speed. It became famous when aviators like Amelia Earhart used it for record-breaking flights.
The Vega was mainly a passenger and cargo plane, and it played a role in promoting aviation.
Where it is now: Some Lockheed Vega planes are preserved in museums, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. They are important artifacts that highlight the Golden Age of aviation.
4. Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando (1940)
The Curtiss-Wright C-46 Commando was a cargo plane used during World War II. It had a high-wing design and could carry heavy loads over long distances.
The C-46 played a crucial role in supply missions, especially in the China-Burma-India theater.
Where it is now: Today, a few C-46s are still in service with cargo companies, (ref) while others are on display at various aviation museums, including the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. They remind us of the important contributions made during wartime.
5. Curtiss P-36 Hawk (1935)
The Curtiss P-36 Hawk was one of the first modern fighter planes used by the U.S. military before and during the early years of World War II. It was a monoplane with a powerful engine, making it fast and agile in the air.
Where it is now: Only a few P-36 Hawks are still around, with one on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It highlights the advancements in fighter aircraft design during the late 1930s.
6. Douglas XB-19 (1944)
The Douglas XB-19 was a heavy bomber designed during World War II. It was the largest bomber of its time, with a wingspan longer than a football field.
Although it never entered production, it helped test new technologies for future bombers.
Where it is now: Only one XB-19 was ever built, and it is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It serves as a reminder of the ambitious aircraft designs of the war era.
7. Martin B-10 (1932)
The Martin B-10 was the first all-metal bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Corps. It had a sleek design with a high wing and was faster than many of its predecessors.
The B-10 played a key role in the early years of military aviation, performing bombing missions and reconnaissance.
Where it is now: Only a few Martin B-10s survive today. One is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It showcases the innovations in bomber design during the 1930s.
8. Fairchild C-123 Provider (1955)
The Fairchild C-123 Provider was a versatile transport plane used by the U.S. military. It could carry troops, cargo, and even perform medical evacuations.
The C-123 was known for its ability to take off and land on short runways, making it useful in various missions, especially during the Vietnam War.
Where it is now: Some C-123s are still in use by private companies for cargo flights, while others are preserved in museums, such as the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. They highlight the importance of transport aircraft in military operations.
9. Northrop YB-35 (1946)
The Northrop YB-35 was a flying wing bomber designed for high-speed, long-range missions. Its unusual shape and design aimed to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
Although it never entered production, the YB-35 influenced future aircraft designs.
Where it is now: Only two prototypes were built, (ref) and one is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It serves as an example of innovative aircraft design from the post-World War II era.
10. Consolidated B-32 Dominator (1944)
The Consolidated B-32 Dominator was a heavy bomber developed during World War II. It featured a distinctive design with four engines and was built to carry out long-range bombing missions. However, it was produced late in the war, and its operational use was limited.
Where it is now: Only a few B-32 Dominators were made, and one is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It represents the advancements in bomber technology during the war.
11. Bell XP-77 (1943)
The Bell XP-77 was a lightweight fighter aircraft designed during World War II. Its goal was to create a small, fast plane that could be built with less metal due to wartime shortages.
Although it had potential, only a few prototypes were made before the project was canceled.
Where it is now: The only surviving XP-77 is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It is a rare example of experimental design in the history of military aviation.
12. Hughes H-1 Racer (1937)
The Hughes H-1 Racer was a high-speed aircraft designed by Howard Hughes. It was built to break speed records and featured a sleek, streamlined design with long wings.
In 1937, it set a record by flying 352 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest planes of its time.
Where it is now: The original H-1 Racer is preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. It is celebrated for its speed and innovation in aircraft design.
13. Republic P-43 Lancer (1943)
The Republic P-43 Lancer was a fighter plane developed during World War II. It had a unique design with a long nose and a powerful engine. Although it was used mainly for training, some were deployed in combat missions in the Pacific Theater.
Where it is now: Only a few P-43 Lancers exist today. One is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. It shows the evolution of fighter aircraft during the war.
14. Sikorsky S-38 (1928)
The Sikorsky S-38 was a large amphibious aircraft used for passenger transport and cargo. Its design allowed it to take off and land on water, making it useful for reaching remote areas. The S-38 was popular among early airline companies and adventurers.
Where it is now: Some S-38 planes are still flying, while others are preserved in museums. One is at the New England Air Museum in Connecticut. It represents the early days of commercial aviation and seaplane design.
15. Vought XF5U Flying Flapjack (1947)
The Vought XF5U Flying Flapjack was an experimental fighter plane with a unique design that resembled a pancake. It aimed to improve speed and stability by having a flying wing configuration.
Although it showed promise, it never went into production.
Where it is now: Only two prototypes were built, and neither is fully intact today. However, parts of the XF5U can be seen at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
It stands as a testament to innovative aircraft design during the post-World War II era.
These planes are part of aviation history—their legacies live on in museums and the memories of those who built and flew them.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
