Boeing 80

Boeing 80
Country	USA
Role	Airliner
First flight	July 27, 1928
Built	16

The Boeing 80 was an American airliner of the 1920s. A three-engined biplane, the Model 80 was built by the Boeing Airplane Company for Boeing’s own airline, Boeing Air Transport, successfully carrying both airmail and passengers on scheduled services.

Source: Boeing 80 on Wikipedia

Boeing Model 80A-1 Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Museum of Flight, Seattle
Photos	177

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Boeing Model 80 Walk Around
Photographer	Michael Benolkin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	24

Boeing Model 80 01

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General Characteristics and Role

The Boeing Model 80A-1 was a major milestone in the early history of American air transport. It was a large, three-engine biplane designed and built by the Boeing Company in the late 1920s specifically for carrying passengers and mail. The original Model 80 was Boeing’s first passenger airliner, but the upgraded 80A-1 featured more powerful engines and increased seating capacity, allowing it to carry 18 passengers—a significant number for the era. The aircraft was primarily operated by Boeing Air Transport (BAT), an early component of what would eventually become United Airlines, on routes along the U.S. West Coast and Rocky Mountains. Its enclosed cabin, lavatory, and presence of the first U.S. flight attendants marked a substantial improvement in passenger comfort.

Property	Typical Value (Model 80A-1)
Role	Airliner, Passenger/Mail Transport
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing Airplane Company
First Flight (Model 80A)	12 September 1929
Crew	2-3 (Pilot, Co-pilot/Radio Operator, Flight Attendant)
Capacity	18 passengers + Mail
Length	16.89 m (55 ft 5 in)
Wingspan	24.38 m (80 ft 0 in)
Height	4.75 m (15 ft 7 in)
Empty Weight	4,560 kg (10,050 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight	7,938 kg (17,500 lb)

Powerplant and Performance

Engines: 3 x Pratt & Whitney Wasp C 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engines.
Power Output (Each): 313 kW (420 hp).
Maximum Speed: 222 km/h (138 mph; 120 kn).
Cruise Speed: 201 km/h (125 mph; 108 kn).
Range: 740 km (460 mi; 400 nmi).
Service Ceiling: 4,270 m (14,000 ft).

Key Features and Legacy

Three-Engine Configuration: Provided a crucial safety feature, allowing the plane to continue flight if one engine failed, essential for crossing mountainous regions.
Flight Attendants: The Model 80 introduced the world’s first air hostesses (flight attendants) in 1930, all of whom were registered nurses.
Survivability: Only one original Boeing Model 80A-1 survives today. It was restored and is on display at The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.