The Avtek 400 Was Literally One of a Kind

This proof-of-concept aircraft led to big plans that unfortunately were never realized.

Jason McDowell

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 06:17 AM ET

Verified

Just one Avtek 400A was built. [Photo: Jason McDowell]

Key Takeaways:

The Avtek 400A was a 1980s proof-of-concept aircraft featuring revolutionary composite construction and an unconventional design with multiple lifting surfaces and pusher propellers for enhanced efficiency and passenger comfort.
It aimed to address an underserved corporate aviation market with a planned larger version promising superior speed (400 mph) and range (2,400 sm) at a competitive price, also attracting interest for various military applications.
Despite securing 102 orders, Avtek declared bankruptcy in 1998 without achieving FAA type certification, leaving the sole 400A prototype abandoned and the company's aspirations unrealized.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Editor’s Note: This is the debut edition of a new column by “The New Owner,” Jason McDowell, that will focus on unusual aircraft that made a splash—no matter how big or small—during aviation history. You can look forward to a new edition of “History’s Unique Aircraft” on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Know about an aircraft that Jason should write about? Tell us about it!