The 1945 Stratocruiser mock-up (original color photos from Boeing presentation brochure)
• Product of a wholly fresh concept of basic aircraft design, the Boeing Stratocruiser opens a great new era in air transport.
• The military prototype of this airplane, the Army's C-97 transport, broke all existing speed records on its first coast-to-coast fliglit. it flew the 2323 miles from Seattle to Washington, D. C., in 6 hours, 3 minutes and 50 seconds, at an average speed of 383 miles per hour.
• But even more significant than speed are the Stratocruiser's other characteristics — its extraordinary versatility, payload capacity and low operating cost — results of Boeing's broad experience and aggressive engineering thinking. The following pages show what the Stratocruiser is equipped to do.
LOW COST OF OPERATION
In the Boeing Stratocruiser, high aerodynamic and structural efficiency, ease of maintenance and rapid-loading features all contribute to economical operation. A high ratio of useful load to gross weight means less operating cost per unit of payload. And high cruising speed makes possible more trips in a given period, distributing all fixed costs over more passenger-miles and ton-miles. This airplane can operate profitably even when carrying less than 20 per cent of payload capacity at present airline rates.
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
One of the reasons why the Stratocruiser so far outperforms competitive airplones is the Boeing 117 wing, which enables it to do more work for its weight and size than any other transport. High wing loading and low gross weight per horsepower make possible faster cruising speed and greater all-around performance. ln addition, it is cleaner aerodynamically than any comparable aircraft.
A PROVED AIRPLANE
The Boeing Stratocruiser is not a "paper airplane." lt is a flying airplane, with "bugs" eliminated through extensive tests of the military prototype. After its cross-continent flight, faster than any other aircraft had ever made the trip, it landed at Washington without a single item requiring maintenance attention. Newest member of the famous Boeing 4-engine family, which includes the Flying Fortress, Stratoliner and Clipper, it embodies many advances war-tested in the mighty Boeing B-29 Superfortress.
SAFETY AND RELIABILITY
The design of all the Stratocruiser's structural and mechanical elements gives exceptional stamina without increasing airframe weight. Superior safety is assured as a result of its unusual ease of control, pilot visibility, stability, good stall warning and excellent stall characteristics, thermol anti-icing and other advancements. New war-developed electronic devices will be available for installation, making possible safest operation both in landing and in flight. Additional safety is provided by high-altitude performance, allowing normal flight above storms, even with one engine inoperative.
GREATER UTILITY
The Stratocruiser's two-deck, three-cabin design permits adaptation to all types of operation—cargo, high density passenger traffic or luxury travel. Some of the possible variations are: 114 passengers and cargo; 81 passengers and cargo; 75 passengers or 28 berths, 19 seats, lounge and cargo; 72 passengers and two cargo holds; or all cargo. This airplane provides exceptional operating economy for both short flights of 300 miles and long-range transocean service. On long flights it can carry both a full fuel load and large payload. At short range, the large interior volume permits maximum payload.
EASE OF MAINTENANCE
Ground service maintenance on the Boeing Stratocruiser is highly simplified. The two-lobe construction allows easy access to all tubing, electrical and control assemblies. Power-plants are quickly removable, or accessible without removal for inspection or adjustment. All four units ore interchangeable, simplifying overhaul and engine change procedures.
PASSENGER APPEAL
The Stratocruiser offers unprecedented passenger comfort. Its spacious interior provides more room for lorge, easy seats, a lounge, excellent golley and lavatory accommodations, and greater freedom of movement. High wing-loading and high speed tend to smooth out air bumps. Pressurized throughout, the airplane maintains comfortable atmospheric conditions inside the cabins at all altitudes. Ground level pressures con be retained without change up to 15,000 feet, eliminating ear-discomfort in ascent and descent. Insulated against noise and vibration, it is one of the quietest transports ever built.
FACTS ABOUT THE BOEING STRATOCRUISER
More than any other post-war transport, the Stratocruiser offers:
1 Higher performance
2 Greater economy
3 Proved ability
4 Highest standards of safety
5 Greater versatility
6 More work capacity
7 Added passenger comfort
8 A better background of transport and combat airplane experience
... and its prototype is actually flying today.
0 Comments