Top 9 Push-Pull Airplanes of All Time

Push-pull airplanes represent a remarkable concept in the aviation world, combining the reassuring safety of multi-engine reliability with the streamlined efficiency of single-engine planes. Most airplanes have traditionally featured engines at the front, propelling the plane forward. However, a few designs turned this idea on its head by placing an engine at the back to push, alongside a front engine to pull, the aircraft.

Despite their once widespread popularity, these innovative designs have faded into a niche corner of aviation history. Let’s explore the most outstanding push-pull airplanes ever created.

9. Fokker F-32

Veering off the typical military or experimental path, the Fokker F-32 found its place in commercial skies. Launched in March 1930 after overcoming a challenging development phase, it became one of the largest commercial planes of its time, with a capacity for up to 32 passengers. However, only seven were ever used by airlines, mainly due to the economic strains of the Great Depression. Still, the F-32 showcased the viability of push-pull configurations for land-based commercial flights and hinted at a burgeoning demand for larger airliners, provided operating costs could be kept in check.

8. Dornier Do X

The Dornier Do X stood as a testament to the ambitions of its era, emerging as the heaviest aircraft at the time of its creation in June 1929. With a weight of 56 tonnes and requiring twelve engines in a push-pull setup to take to the skies, it was a true giant. On its 70th flight, it broke records by carrying 169 people, a record that would stand for two decades.

7. Rutan Voyager

The dream of circumnavigating the globe without stopping or refueling captivated many, but it was the Rutan Voyager that finally turned that dream into reality. Crafted nearly entirely from lightweight materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass, it was engineered for efficiency. This groundbreaking design allowed the Voyager to make history by completing its global flight in December 1986, earning the team behind it the esteemed 1986 Collier Trophy.

6. Latécoère 521

Nicknamed the Laté 521, this aircraft was a trailblazer for French aviation, setting multiple records upon its debut in 1935. Notably, it was the first to carry over 70 passengers on transatlantic flights commercially. This dual-decker flying boat powered by six push-pull engines played a crucial role in the expansion of Air France, transitioning the airline into long-haul commercial flights.

5. Tupolev ANT-20

The ANT-20, dedicated to the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky, mirrored its namesake’s iconic status. Constructed in the throes of the Soviet Union’s Gigantomania phase, it boasted the largest wingspan of its era, not surpassed until the development of the Douglas XB-19 during WWII. This majestic aircraft was a symbol of industrial and ideological achievement.

4. Dornier Do J Wal

Affectionately called the Wal (or Whale in English), this aircraft carved its niche far beyond commercial aviation. Built in Germany and Italy, it achieved acclaim for its pivotal role in pioneering explorations and historical firsts, such as the first night crossing of the Atlantic by Portuguese aviator Sarmento de Beires in 1927. Its unique all-metal and push-pull engine placement made it ideal for daring expeditions to the North and South Poles, expanding our knowledge of these remote frontiers.

3. Dornier Do 335

The Dornier Do 335, known as the Pfeil (Arrow), stands out for its unusual design, even among the eccentric development trends of World War II aviation. With its engines positioned in a distinctive centerline thrust configuration, it was a marvel of engineering, demonstrating both speed and versatility in a sleek and powerful package.

2. Cessna O-2

The Cessna O-2 took the core concept of push-pull design and adapted it for military reconnaissance tasks during the Vietnam War. Small, agile, and versatile, it bore silent witness to the complexities and challenges of aerial combat, serving bravely above conflicted landscapes.

1. Cessna 337 Skymaster

The Cessna 337 Skymaster, which tops our list, exemplifies the long-lasting legacy of push-pull aircraft. Favored for its dependability and unique engine configuration, it has fulfilled a variety of functions, from military observation to recreational flights, exemplifying the spirit of aviation innovation.