The McDonnell Douglas Model 119 was an innovative American business jet prototype developed in the late 1950s by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. Designed to enter the emerging executive jet market, the Model 119 was ahead of its time in performance and configuration. However, despite its promising design, the aircraft never entered full production.
McDonnell Douglas Model 119
Overview of the McDonnell Model 119
The Model 119 was developed before the 1967 merger that formed McDonnell Douglas. It was conceived as a twin-engine executive jet intended for corporate and private operators seeking speed, range, and comfort.
At a time when business aviation was still in its infancy, the Model 119 aimed to compete with early jet-powered executive aircraft and set new standards for performance.
Key Specifications (Prototype)
While only a prototype was completed, the Model 119 featured impressive specifications for its era:
Type: Twin-engine business jet
Engines: Two Westinghouse J34 turbojet engines
Maximum Speed: Approx. 565 mph (910 km/h)
Cruise Speed: Around 500 mph (805 km/h)
Range: Approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 km)
Seating Capacity: 6–10 passengers
First Flight: 1961
These performance numbers were highly competitive during the early 1960s business jet boom.
Design & Engineering Features
Unique Engine Configuration
One of the most distinctive features of the McDonnell Model 119 was its engine placement. Instead of the now-common rear-mounted engines seen on many business jets, the Model 119 mounted its engines on short pylons attached to the rear fuselage.
This design aimed to:
Improve aerodynamic efficiency
Reduce cabin noise
Enhance maintenance accessibility
Aerodynamic Layout
The aircraft featured:
Swept wings
T-tail configuration
Pressurized cabin
Retractable tricycle landing gear
These elements were modern for the period and aligned with evolving jet aircraft design principles.
Development History
The late 1950s and early 1960s marked rapid growth in business aviation. Companies sought faster alternatives to piston and turboprop aircraft. During this period:
Cessna was developing early business jets.
Learjet would soon revolutionize the market.
McDonnell saw an opportunity to diversify beyond military aircraft and enter the corporate jet segment with the Model 119.
The prototype first flew in 1961 and demonstrated strong performance during testing.
Why the Model 119 Was Cancelled
Despite promising flight tests, several factors led to the cancellation of the Model 119 program:
Engine Issues
The Westinghouse J34 engines were aging turbojet designs and less fuel-efficient than newer turbofan engines that were emerging at the time.
Market Competition
The introduction of the Learjet 23 in the early 1960s shifted market expectations toward lighter, faster, and more efficient aircraft.
Strategic Focus
McDonnell prioritized military contracts and other large-scale aerospace programs, reducing emphasis on the business aviation sector.
Financial Considerations
Developing a new production aircraft required significant investment, and the company chose not to proceed further.
Ultimately, only one prototype was built.
Legacy of the McDonnell Model 119
Although it never entered production, the Model 119 remains an important part of American aviation history. It represents:
Early experimentation in executive jet design
McDonnell’s attempt to enter civil aviation markets
A transitional period before the formation of McDonnell Douglas
Today, the Model 119 prototype survives as a museum exhibit, preserving its place in aerospace innovation history.
McDonnell Douglas’ Broader Aviation Impact
After merging to form McDonnell Douglas, the company became a major force in both military and commercial aviation.
Notable aircraft include:
McDonnell Douglas DC-9
McDonnell Douglas DC-10
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
In 1997, the company merged with Boeing, continuing its legacy within one of the world’s largest aerospace corporations.
Conclusion
The McDonnell Douglas Model 119 was a forward-thinking executive jet prototype that showcased impressive performance and innovative design for its era. Although market conditions and strategic decisions prevented it from reaching production, the aircraft remains a fascinating example of early business jet development.
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