Boeing 247
Justly labeled the first modern airliner, the Boeing 247 revolutionized air transportation when it entered service with United Air Lines in 1933. It was 50 percent faster than its competitors, with its sleek, low-wing, all-metal construction; retractable landing gear; and supercharged, air-cooled engines mounted on the wings. This innovative design inspired the creation of a new generation of commercial airliners, beginning with the Douglas DC-2. The later Boeing 247-D version pioneered the use of controllable-pitch propellers and wing de-icer boots.
The airplane on display above is the first production 247-D. It was used by Col. Roscoe Turner and Clyde Pangborn in the famous 1934 England-to-Australia International Air Derby, better known as the MacRobertson Race. It placed third overall and second in the transport category.
Date: 1934 Country of Origin: United States of America
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 22.6 m (74 ft)
Length: 15.7 m (51 ft 7 in)
Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
Weight, gross: 6,192 kg (13,650 lb)
Weight, empty: 4,055 kg (8,940 lb)
Top speed: 322 km/h (200 mph)
Materials:Overall: Aluminum
Physical Description:Air transport; twin engine; monoplane.
Bob
