Despite its odd looks, the coleoptoer managed to mount a display of vertical flight in front of an astonished Paris crowd (Image: Smecma)
This is a classic article from New Scientist’s archive, republished as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations
During 1958 the West German government caused some disappointment to the British and French aircraft industries by failing to order British or French interceptors for the re-established German Air Force. Instead they ordered the American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. Even so it was well known beforehand that whatever aircraft were ordered would be regarded as interim equipment, against the day when…
