Talk about chunky. This monster of a plane was once created in order to ship components for NASA’s Apollo moon mission. Needless to say, this terribly clumsy aircraft was abandoned soon after production. Only one plane was ever created. First taking off September 19, 1962, it was then retired in 1979. It was also aptly the Pregnant Guppy.
Pregnant it was indeed, pregnant with clunky materials and a hefty production cost that proved to ultimately be too much of a burden.
Sikorsky X-Wing
Like with all great failures, the intention is grand. Built with the goal of combining the speed of a jet with the take-off abilities of a helicopter, the mechanics of this sadly, did not work out as and the aircraft production program as called off.
In 1988 the Sikorsky X-Wing came to an end. Long after its first successful prototype.
Blohm & Voss BV 141
The Blohm & Voss BV 141 is a strong reminder that balance and symmetry are not essential factors when creating an aircraft, though the thought of that fully defies all logic. This Germa flying machine, designed in the WWII-era was created as a reconnaissance aircraft.
But even after the initial success and the building of the first few dozen, it lost out to a competitor and never reached completion. At least it had its 15 minutes of fame, sadly that was not enough to keep it afloat. literally and figuratively speaking.
Goodyear Inflatoplane
Everyone said it couldn't be done but then Goodyear (the tire company) came along and proved everyone wrong. The plane prototype was about to get the green light, but sadly for the giant flying machine that never happened. When the U.S. military cottoned onto the fact that this plane wouldn't be of much use in the army, the idea was quickly discarded.
Armies can't really have planes popping like balloons up there. It doesn't sound too practical. They were right, and this Inflatoplane was never seen again.
FLS Microjet (flying) and BD-5 Propeller
Possibly the most functional of planes on the list, the FLS microjet was created by a small experimental (keyword) aircraft and home-building company called Bede Aircraft. The plane went up in popularity during the '70s and became quite the sensation. Still, it wasn't particularly practical and found its place on the screen instead.
You might know this plane from the iconic Bond film "Octopussy." The tiny plane measures slightly over 5 meters. Don't underestimate it though, it can reach speeds of up to 515 km/h with a range of 370 km. With that said, it's still better off in a Bond film.