Boeing 247-D

Boeing 247-DThe world’s first modern airliner, the Boeing 247 revolutionized air transportation when it entered service with United Air Lines in 1933. With its sleek, low-wing, all-metal construction; retractable landing gear; and supercharged, air-cooled engines, the Boeing 247 was 50 percent faster than its competitors. Its innovative design launched a new generation of commercial airliners, notably the Douglas DC-2. The 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. Roscoe Turner and Clyde Pangborn flew it in the 1934 England-to-Australia International Air Derby, better known as the MacRobertson Race. The airplane placed third overall and second in the transport category, completing the 18,180-kilometer (11,300-mile) journey in just under 93 hours. It was returned to United Air Lines and flown as the airline’s flagship until replaced by DC-3s.The airplane is displayed with its racing numeral, NR 257Y, and its commercial registration, NC 13369.Transferred from the Civil Aeronautics AuthorityWingspan: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)Engine:2 Pratt & Whitney Wasp S1H1-G, 550 hpManufacturer:Boeing Airplane Co., Seattle, Wash., 1934