Boeing 307 Stratoliner "Clipper Flying Cloud"

Object Details

Manufacturer

Boeing Aircraft Co.

Summary

First flown in late 1938, the Boeing 307 was the first airliner with a pressurized fuselage. It could carry 33 passengers in great comfort and cruise at 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), while maintaining a cabin pressure of 2,438 meters (8,000 feet). This enabled the Stratoliner to fly above most bad weather, thereby providing a faster and smoother ride.

The Stratoliner incorporated the wings, tail, and engines of the Boeing B-17C bomber. The wide fuselage was fitted with sleeper berths and reclining seats. Ten Stratoliners were built. The prototype was lost in an accident, but five were delivered to TWA and three were purchased by Pan American Airways. TWA owner Howard Hughes purchased a heavily modified version for his personal use. The airplane displayed here was flown by Pan American as the Clipper Flying Cloud. Boeing restored it in 2001.

Long Description

First flown in late 1938, the Boeing 307 was the first airliner with a pressurized fuselage. It could carry 33 passengers in great comfort and cruise at 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), while maintaining a cabin pressure of 2,438 meters (8,000 feet). This enabled the Stratoliner to fly above most bad weather, thereby providing a faster and smoother ride.

The Stratoliner incorporated the wings, tail, and engines of the Boeing B-17C bomber. The wide fuselage was fitted with sleeper berths and reclining seats. Ten Stratoliners were built. The prototype was lost in an accident, but five were delivered to TWA and three were purchased by Pan American Airways. TWA owner Howard Hughes purchased a heavily modified version for his personal use. The airplane displayed here was flown by Pan American as the Clipper Flying Cloud. Boeing restored it in 2001.

Credit Line

Donated by Aviation Specialties Incorporated

1938

Inventory Number

A19730267000

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft

Dimensions

Wingspan: 32.7 m (107 ft 3 in)

Length: 22.7 m (74 ft 4 in)

Height: 6.3 m (20 ft 9 in)

Weight, empty: 13,749 kg (30,310 lb)

Weight, gross: 19,051 kg (42,000 lb)

Top speed: 396 km/h (246 mph)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

National Air and Space Museum

Record ID

nasm_A19730267000

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv95fea8c38-27a2-40c5-81c6-1d45b303f58a