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 unique 1980s proof-of-concept aircraft, designed by Al Mooney with revolutionary composite materials and an unconventional pusher-propeller layout.
It aimed to offer superior performance, a quieter cabin, and more interior space than existing turboprops, securing 102 orders for its proposed commercial and military versions.
Despite its innovative design and promise, Avtek declared bankruptcy in 1998 without FAA certification, leaving the sole prototype abandoned and its vision unrealized.

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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!