The Lockheed Vega was designed & engineered by John K Northrop in 1927. The construction of the over 27 foot long fuselage is deceptively simple in design & was a key in the transition from frame & tube fabric to the aluminum monocoque design still used today. Innovative engineering was also used for the cantilevered single high wing. The Vega was also among the first planes to use a drag-reducing engine cowl. It was advanced engineering ideas, such as these, that made the Vega an overwhelming success.