One of the most innovative and promising aircraft ever conceived died as a result of changes in the face of warfare...Much has been written about the backbone of US tactical airlift, the now 70 year old C-130 Hercules, still showing no sign of retirement or even slowing production...However at one time even its heavy lift and short field abilities could not match the needs of the US military...At this time the now much maligned Boeing Aircraft Company took the initiative in developing an aircraft that not only met, but far exceeded the requirements set by the demands of military...Today, only existing as a museum piece, and languishing in anonymity, the Boeing YC-14 rests as an example of developing technology being left in the dust of a suddenly ending war...
Today Fred and Phillbo live in the proximity of the only two remaining examples of a prototype aircraft which could carry 4 times the required weight and take off and land in a quarter of the space demanded in the original military proposal...As in most other human endeavors, timing plays a critical role......Ben
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...Ben