Boeing never built the 7J7, but its legacy continues to be felt to this day. Listen in to hear how technology once studied for the highly advanced program could re-emerge on the company's next new airplane almost 40 years later.

Aviation Week editors Guy Norris, Steve Trimble and Christine Boynton are joined by former Boeing 7J7 program manager Peter Morton to delve into the program.

Designed in an era of spiraling fuel costs, the 7J7 was ahead of its time. The program marked a profound change in the way Boeing did business and designed its airplanes. Morton, who served as director of cost and program management for the 7J7, provides an insider's account and shares his unique perspective on the effort.