Evolution of Boeing

Jul 7, 2024

Evolution of Boeing

Early Beginnings

  • 1903: Wright brothers invented the first successful airplane, the Wright Flyer.
  • 1909: William Edward Boeing saw his first airplane at 28; fascinated by flying.

Foundation of Boeing

  • 1916: William founded Aero Products; renamed it to Boeing Airplane Company.
  • First aircraft: B&W Seaplane (a.k.a. Bluebill); maiden flight on June 15, 1916.
    • Length: 8.4 meters; Wingspan: 15.9 meters
    • Speed: 75 miles per hour
    • Record: flew 306 miles in one day

Early Success

  • Model C: Led to Boeing’s first financial success.
    • Selling Price: $116,000 ($2 million today)
    • Military Contract: U.S. ordered 50 Model C planes.
    • C-700: First airplane to deliver international airmail (Vancouver to Seattle).
  • 1919: B-1 Seaplane – First commercial aircraft by Boeing.
    • Carried a pilot, two passengers, mail, or cargo.
    • Total miles covered: 350,000 miles

Military Developments

  • 1923: Competed with Curtiss for fighter plane design; developed PW-9.
    • Speed: 159 miles per hour
    • Total units built: 157
  • P-12 and F2B: Known for U.S. Navy aerobatics team “The Three Seahawks.”

Exploration of Commercial Markets

  • 1925-1932: Designed Model 40 mail plane (77 units built) for U.S. Post Office.
    • Carried passengers and cargo (mail).
  • 1928: Model 80 – America’s first airliner for passenger comfort.
    • Model 80: 12 passengers; Model 80A: 18 passengers.

Technological Advancements

  • 1930s:
    • Monomail: Aerodynamic design with all-metal wings and retractable landing gear.
    • YB-9: All-metal monoplane bomber; Speed: 186 miles per hour; Bomb load: 2,400 pounds.

Regulatory Impact

  • 1930: United Aircraft monopoly with major aircraft companies.
  • 1934: Air Mail Act -> Split into three smaller companies.
    • William Boeing sold his shares and left the company.

Fighter and Passenger Aircrafts

  • P26 Peashooter: First American production all-metal fighter aircraft.
    • Speed: 27 miles per hour faster than biplane fighters.
    • Units built: 151
  • 1933: Model 247 – Revolutionary passenger airliner.
    • Speed: 200 miles per hour
    • Units built: 75

Luxury and Long-Distance Travel

  • 1938: Boeing 314 Clipper – Huge flying boat for luxury air travel.
    • Price: $675 ($13,000 today)
    • Crew: 10; Passengers: 74
    • Range: 5,200 miles
    • Modified for luxury by Pan Am.

World War II Contributions

  • B-17 Flying Fortress: Introduced flight deck; carried bombs and machine guns.
    • Mass-produced during WWII; total units: 6,981.
  • B-29 Superfortress: Technologically advanced; long-range heavy bomber.
    • Units built: 2,766
    • Key role in bombing Japan (including atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

Post-War Challenges and Innovations

  • 1945: Attempted to reenter the commercial market with 377 Stratocruiser.
    • Luxurious air travel; poor sales (56 units built).
  • 1954: Developed Dash 80 to demonstrate jet propulsion.
    • Financial Risk: $16 million invested; 1 unit built.
  • 1956: Development of Boeing 707; ushered in successful era of commercial jetliners.

Conclusion

  • Significant impact and evolution from military to commercial aviation.
  • Upcoming discussion of Boeing 707 and advanced passenger planes in the next episode.