In the early 1950s, as air travel was beginning to take off in the United States, McDonnell set its sights on developing a private, business-oriented aircraft designed to fly high-powered executives in style and comfort. This led to the creation of the Model 119, a four-engine business jet with unique design features. Despite McDonnell's considerable efforts, the Model 119 was ultimately abandoned.
Here's a look at what happened to the McDonnell Model 119 and the factors that led to its unfortunate end. The initial vision for the McDonnell Model 119 In 1957, McDonnell Aircraft Corporation embarked on a project to design a jet aimed at the business aviation market, specifically for private companies and government agencies. The company wanted to build an aircraft that would embody luxury, speed, and efficiency , providing an option for corporate travelers looking to avoid commercial airlines' crowded, slower flights.
The Model 119 was designed to carry up to 12 passengers, making it spacious enough to comfortably accommodate small business groups. The Model 119 had four Westinghouse J34-WE-36 engines mounted on the fuselage, which made it stand out among other business aircraft. Its tail design was also notable: it had a V-tail (sometimes called a "butterfly tail") configuration, which was unconventional and aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing drag.
The aircraft was pressurized to allow for high-altitude flight, with a maximum altitude of about 40,000 feet. .
