One of the more unique aircraft at the National Air Force Museum never flew so well but it’s an incredible prototype of a post war dream.

It’s called the Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avroca, a terrible name for a ridiculously cool aircraft. Its shiny silver aluminum siding and disc shape resemble something out of a fifties sci-fi movie. You half expect martians to wave from the glass canopied cockpit.

But it’s not a spaceship.

Instead it’s a prototype of what they considered a first step toward a supersonic fighting jet capable of vertical takeoff and landing. Canada originated the project but dropped it when it became too expensive. The US picked it up in 1955 with hopes it could replace helicopters and light observation craft.

Sadly, it was “aerodynamically unsound” according to a museum sign but it’s still one of the coolest pieces in a facility full of amazing aircraft.

Be sure to look for it if you go!