Tthe Boeing Model 307 Stratoliner był pierwszym komercyjnym samolotem transportowym, który wszedł do służby z kabiną ciśnieniową. Ta cecha pozwoliła samolotowi na lot na wysokości 20 000 stóp (6 000 m), znacznie powyżej wielu zakłóceń pogodowych. Różnica ciśnień wynosiła 2,5 psi (17 kPa), więc na wysokości 14 700 stóp (4 480 m) ciśnienie powietrza w kabinie odpowiadało wysokości 8 000 stóp (2 440 m). Model 307 mógł pomieścić sześcioosobową załogę i 33 pasażerów. Oprócz służby cywilnej był również pilotowany jako Boeing C-75 Stratoliner przez Siły Powietrzne Armii Stanów Zjednoczonych, które używały go jako samolotu transportowego dalekiego zasięgu.
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Boeing Model 307 Stratoliner Walk Around
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A Revolution in Civil Aviation
Tthe Boeing Model 307 Stratolinerwas a milestone in aviation history. Introduced in 1938, it was the first commercial transport aircraft to feature apressurized cabin. This allowed the Stratoliner to fly at 20,000 feet, far above the turbulent weather that plagued earlier airliners like the DC-3. By utilizing the wings, tail, and engines of the B-17 Flying Fortress, Boeing created a robust, high-altitude cruiser that changed the definition of luxury and speed in the “Golden Age” of flight.
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Technical Specification (Boeing 307)
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Long-Range Commercial Airliner / Military Transport
Circular Fuselage:Unlike the flat-sided aircraft of the era, the 307 featured a perfectly circular cross-section. This shape was necessary to evenly distribute the internal pressure stresses required to maintain a breathable atmosphere at high altitudes.
Pressurization System:The Stratoliner used engine-driven superchargers to pump air into the cabin. This allowed passengers to enjoy an “8,000-foot” environment while the aircraft cruised at 20,000 feet, effectively avoiding the “bumps” of low-level air.
B-17 DNA:To save on development costs and improve reliability, Boeing used the flight surfaces of theB-17C Flying Fortress. The wings, landing gear, and horizontal stabilizers were nearly identical to the bomber, giving the 307 legendary structural strength.
Sleeper Comfort:The wide fuselage allowed for reclining seats and berths, making it one of the first true “sleeper” transports for transcontinental travel.
The “C-75” and Notable History
Military Service (C-75):During WWII, the five Stratoliners operated by TWA were pressed into service for the Army Air Transport Command. Designated asC-75s, they were used for high-priority transatlantic flights because their pressurization allowed them to fly above most interception threats.
Howard Hughes and the “Flying Penthouse”:The famous billionaire bought a Stratoliner and converted it into a lavish private office and home. After being damaged in a hurricane, the fuselage was eventually converted into a“Cosmic Muffin” house boat.
Rare Survival:Only 10 Stratoliners were ever built. The only surviving example, the“Flying Cloud”(formerly of Pan Am), was meticulously restored by Boeing volunteers and is now at theSteven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.