McDonnell's first plane: The story behind the failed "Doodlebug

McDonnell went on to make substantial contributions to aviation, particularly with jet technology advancements. His company merged with Douglas in the late 1960s to form McDonnell Douglas before being acquired by Boeing for $14 billion in 1997.

The McDonnell Doodlebug was a two-seater low-wing monoplane powered by a 110 HP Warner Scarab radial engine, achieving speeds up to 96 knots (110 mph). It measured 21 ft 4 inches in length with a wingspan of 35 ft and weighed approximately 1,800 lbs (816 kg).

In response to an April 1927 competition sponsored by the Daniel Guggenheim Fund for promoting aeronautics research and building safe light aircraft, McDonnell collaborated with engineers Constantine Zakhartchenko and James Cowling on developing the Doodlebug.

Working out of a hangar owned by Hamilton Aero Manufacturing Company, McDonnell said there were three main objections to ordinary airplanes for general use: safety concerns for private use, insufficient utility, and ease- of-learning how to fly.

The Guggenheim Fund contributed around $3 million in grants towards establishing important research centers and sponsored Charles Lindbergh's famous Spirit of St Louis non-stop flight between New York and Paris.

The name 'Doodlebug' referred to insects that hop around or specifically ant- lions; it was chosen because it resembled how the aircraft "hopped" during takeoff and landing.

According to Boeing records, lack of funds and bad luck slowed production, causing them to miss initial deadlines despite extensions granted due its potential. Unfortunately, on November 21st., during a test flight piloted by McDonnell himself ended disastrously when horizontal tail folded leading into crash landing injuring him severely but he continued working afterwards

After selling off Doodlebug project eventually used as test airframe NASA’s predecessor NACA; James moved onto other roles including Chief Engineer at Martin Company developing successful military bombers like B-10/B-12 series

He finally founded his own firm again named after himself “Mc Donell Aircraft Corporation” right before World War II started proving timely decision given wartime demands Despite initial setbacks post-war period saw success through pioneering jet designs such FH Phantom carrier-based fighters influencing F2H Banshee later versions

Concerned over reliance solely military contracts led merger Douglas forming legendary team together creating iconic commercial models DC10 MD80 alongside tactical jets F15 F/A18 operating until bought out largest deal industry history Boeing still remains key player global market following consolidation boosting capabilities both civilian defense sectors alike