★ FAMOUSAviation history

Honeywell Flying Testbed

The unicorn 757 — flies with an engine growing out of its nose

Tail number N757HW

Boeing 757-200, the type Honeywell Flying Testbed is built on
Type photo · Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The story

Honeywell's 757 testbed wears a third engine pylon bolted to the side of its nose — an unmistakable silhouette spotters call 'the unicorn.' Avionics, engines, and sensors ride that stub through real-world flight testing out of Phoenix. It's one of the strangest-looking airliners in the sky, on purpose.

Fun fact

The nose pylon can carry an entire business-jet engine — the 757 flies fine with the extra drag, just visibly annoyed.

Quick answers

What is the tail number of Honeywell Flying Testbed?

N757HW (Boeing 757-200).

What kind of aircraft is Honeywell Flying Testbed?

Boeing 757-200.

Is it still flying?

Yes, it is still active.

The type

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