70 years ago, the Coleoptere vertical take-off and landing aircraft attracted attention as soon as it was launched with its unique shape but was scrapped after only 9 flights.
Coléoptère: A Plane Without Wings Was Scrapped After 9 Flights
Plane Without Wings
In the late 1950’s French aerospace firm SNECMA developed a highly unconventional tail-sitting vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft with an annular wing.
The C.450 Coléoptère would be unlike any aircraft in the world. Unlike conventional airplanes, the Coléoptère would rest on its tail and use engine power alone to lift off the ground before transitioning to vertical flight, returning to land vertically once again on its tail. Its cylindrical wing promised greater efficiency over a conventional wing by eliminating wing-tip vortices. It would also be more compact, further reducing the space needed for vertical take-off and landings.
A practical ranking of the best universities in the Netherlands for U.S. students, with English programs, campus size, locations, and why Americans choose them.
A deep look at Russia’s 2026 calendar, from national holidays to Orthodox traditions and iconic festivals that define the country’s unique cultural rhythm.
A complete guide to Spain’s 2026 calendar, covering public holidays, major festivals, and cultural rhythms that shape travel, business, and everyday life across Spain.
A complete guide to Turkey’s 2026 calendar, covering public holidays, Islamic festivals, and national celebrations shaping work, travel, and daily life across Turkey.
See Canada’s 10 largest universities by total enrollment, including online and on-campus students, with verified student counts, tuition benchmarks, locations, and comparisons.
A practical ranking of the best universities in the Netherlands for U.S. students, with English programs, campus size, locations, and why Americans choose them.
A deep look at Russia’s 2026 calendar, from national holidays to Orthodox traditions and iconic festivals that define the country’s unique cultural rhythm.
A complete guide to Spain’s 2026 calendar, covering public holidays, major festivals, and cultural rhythms that shape travel, business, and everyday life across Spain.
