Several years into the Cold War an unthinkable concept was explored: powering an aircraft with a nuclear reactor.

Known as "The Flying Crane," the Hughes XH-17 is one of the most interesting aircraft projects in history. It boasted a twin-bladed main rotor with a diameter of 40.81m, far larger than a conventional helicopter and almost double that of a conventional heavy-lifter.

In a feat of engineering, the X-59 travels faster than the speed of sound, while making barely any sound at all.

Today, in 1920, the world's first air traffic control (ATC) tower opened. The new facility was located at London's then-main airport, Croydon.

The biggest helicopter in world used three rotors – the Cierva W.11 Air Horse.

Aerial advertising was born in the 1890s, before the Wright brothers. Box kites flew dragging advertising banners, likely the first flying ads.

The Mil V-12 had the potential to change air travel forever. For a number of reasons, the gigantic helicopter fell far short of its lofty promises but gave engineers a unique window into the world of large-scale rotorcraft.

The Junkers G-38 was the largest landbased aeroplane at the end of the twenties.

The 1960s and 1970s were exciting and important times for aircraft development. Boeing had seen success with the Boeing-707 and 727, and there was growing interest from airlines in a more economical two-engine option. Other manufacturers tried to compete, though, with varying success. The French-built Dassault Mercure was one such competitor. Only 12 aircraft were ever built, with the French airline Air Inter being the only operator.

It’s a bird, isn’t it? It’s a plane, isn’t it? It’s a hybrid airship, not a plane! At the 2023 Farnborough Airshow, the world’s biggest airplane revealed ideas for its interiors – and they’re magnificent.