Boeing 247

Boeing 247 was a type of large civil airliner of the United States. In the article below, AloTrip will share with you the most useful information about the Boeing 247.

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Boeing 247 was a civil airliner of the United States, considered as the first aircraft to fully incorporate advances such as all-metal semi-monocoque structure (anodized aluminum), fully-responsive wings and retractable landing gear. Other upgraded features included control surfaces, autopilot and de-icing boots for wings and tail. The Boeing 247 was put into service in late 1933. Its variants consist of Model 247, 247A, 247E, 247D, 247Y and C-73.

May bay Boieng 247

Development

Boeing had introduced a commercial aircraft with aerodynamic and technical features. This advanced design was an improvement from former bomber designs (Model 200, 221, 221A) and the B-9, combined between speed and safety. The 247 was the first twin-engine airliner able to fly on one engine.

At first, it was determined as a 14-seat airliner powered by a radial motor - Pratt & Whitney R-1690 Hornet. After preliminary assessments of the design concept of United Airlines’ pilots, Boeing decided to redesign the aircraft with smaller configuration, less capacity and Rasp 1340 engine.

On February 8, 1933, the first trial flight of the Boeing 247 took off.

In 1933, despite the fierce disagreements on design and engine between the pilots and the designer, the Boeing 247 was still a remarkable achievement. It was displayed at the Chicago World Fair in 1933.

Operational history

From the test and development period of the 247, Boeing showed its ability in a long-distance air race, MacRobertson Air Race from England to Australia.

Boeing was the winner of the 1934 American Collier Award for excellence in aviation design. As a result, the Boeing 247 received the first order from William Boeing's airline Boeing Air Transport.

On May 22, 1933, a Boeing Air Transport 247 set a transnational record on its inaugural flight from San Francisco to New York. It was the first time passengers had flown through the country without changing aircraft or stopping overnight.

In order to meet the demand from US airlines, 60 of the first Boeing 247 were sold. 75 aircrafts were made in total. Therein, Boeing Air Transport bought 60, United Airplane Corp Ten and Lufthansa ordered 3 aircraft but only 2 aircraft were delivered and another was sent to a private owner in China…

The Boeing 247 was continuously used in airline service till World War II. The Royal Canadian Air Force operated seven Model 247Ds as medium carriers during the early part of the war. After that, the aircrafts were converted into cargo transports or personal business aircrafts at the end of the 1960s.