Weird Planes You've Never Heard of

Here’s a brief collection of obscure and downright strange cargo-transport aircraft you probably never heard of.

Evangel 4500
00:06
Developed in the 1960s by missionary bush pilot Carl Mortensen, he created this aircraft when none met his requirements. While the prototype resembled an Islander, the production version showcased low wings and retractable gear.

The Evangel's design prioritized robustness and simplicity. Its large tires, expansive tail surfaces, and square fuselage with vast cargo doors made it suitable for bulky loads, including building materials. The interior was minimalistic, accommodating up to 8 passengers seated facing inward, along with varied cargo. The Evangel boasted impressive flight capabilities, easily soaring above jungles at a climb rate of 1,500 feet per minute


Hawk GAFHawk
02:21
The "General Aviation Freight" Hawk, made in the 1970s by Hawk Industries for transporting large equipment, faced a series of setbacks. Developed by a company inexperienced in aviation, it aimed to meet specific logistical needs with a boxy shape, rear-loading cargo door, and high lift surfaces. They initially tested a small version named the MiniHawk. The full-sized GafHawk launched in 1982 with a unique "rolleron" design for maneuvering. Despite a decade-long effort, the FAA never certified it, citing inappropriate test conditions. Hawk Industries then tried collaborating with PZL in Poland, uniquely transitioning the aircraft from a turboprop to a 1,000 horsepower piston radial. This deal too collapsed, and the lone GafHawk, deemed unairworthy by the FAA, now resides behind an Alaskan hangar, unused.
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Lockspeiser LDA-01
04:28
The Lockspeiser LDA-01, resembling a box with wings, was a unique design from the early 1970s by British engineer David Lockspeiser. Intended as an affordable and safe cargo transporter, it was envisioned for multiple purposes, including passenger transport, agriculture, medical evacuations, and military support. The LDA-01 featured a tandem-wing configuration, with a fabric-covered metal frame. Lockspeiser emphasized reducing parts and using interchangeable components, as seen where the front wing mirrored half the main rear wing. Initially powered by an 85 horsepower engine, it was later upgraded to 150 horsepower Lycoming, and eventually renamed the Boxer 500. Tragically, it was destroyed in a 1987 hangar fire.

In a peculiar incident at the 1975 Paris Air Show, a bee swarm infested the cockpit, leading to a demo flight cancellation. Ironically, this may have been fortunate, as later that day, a landing gear malfunctioned. Had the demo proceeded, this flaw would have been exposed to thousands.


Croses Paras-Cargo
06:18
Can’t afford a Cessna Caravan? Croses offers an alternative: the Croses Paras-Cargo, a French homebuilt aircraft from the mid-1970s. This versatile plane can carry various loads from skydivers and large cargo to patients on stretchers or four passengers, but not simultaneously. It's powered by the 180 horsepower Lycoming O-360. Its design includes a tandem wing setup inspired by the Pou-de-Ciel homebuilt, easily detachable wings for transport, and a bogey landing gear for rough terrains. The spacious design accommodates large items like wine barrels or even coffins.

Despite its features, Croses couldn't obtain certification due to the plane being stall-proof. Thus, enthusiasts need to build it from plans, demanding 10 to 15,000 hours of effort. Regrettably, only two factory prototypes of the Paras-Cargo were ever constructed.

Ahrens 404
07:47
The Ahrens 404, a blend of various aircraft models, was a 30-seat commuter plane designed for the rising demand in regional turboprops. Peter Ahrens envisioned it not just for commercial use, but also for military, thanks to its square fuselage suitable for LD3 containers and rear loading. Its sturdy design, thick wing section, and Allison 250 turboprops were tailored for off-road and STOL operations, resembling a smaller C130. Ahrens aimed to replace the Navy's Grumman Greyhounds with the 404, despite its combined horsepower being lesser than a single Greyhound engine.

Funded by Puerto Rico's government, the plane's production was to employ a local workforce. However, only four were produced before the project halted, reportedly due to FAA challenges, leaving 1,000 employees jobless. Three 404s remain in Puerto Rico, with one repurposed as a restaurant, while the last is abandoned near Las Vegas



Video Credits
   • Lockspeiser Aircraft - The Boxer  
   • NEW AIRCRAFT  
   • Evangel Flight-Takeoff  
   • Ultra-Rare Evangel Twin Taxi Testing ...  
   • RARE Evangel 4500-300 N4501L in Penti...  
   • Nuuk Scenic Approach - Dash 7  
   • Philippine Air Force GAF N22B Nomad [...  
   • 'Flying shoebox' Shorts 360 climbs ou...  
   • (The Flying Box) Air Cargo Carriers S...  
   • CASA C-212 Crosswind Landing and Take...  
   • GRUMMAN C-2A GREYHOUND TAKEOFF - US N...