Author Topic: Update on the Boeing Stratoliner (Read 633 times)

Ripsnort · « **on:** April 03, 2002, 09:57:00 AM »

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Seattle, April 2, 2002 – Boeing currently is determining the overall feasibility of
restoring the 307 Stratoliner airplane to the condition it was in when the initial
restoration was completed last year. The team has inspected the damage and while it is
generally more than anticipated, the primary airplane structure is largely intact. The
Boeing team will begin looking at all options as soon as possible.

Now that the airplane is back at Boeing facilities in Seattle, current priorities are to
focus on the removal and salvage of the airplane's interior, including instruments and
radios, seats and cloth fabrics as well as the wood paneling. The challenge will be
removing the salt water and cleaning the fabrics before it becomes permanently stained.

The Boeing Stratoliner team is especially grateful to the public for the outpouring of
support for the recovery efforts. Boeing has received dozens of e-mails offering support
and volunteering assistance in restoring this airplane to flying condition. This support has
meant so much to the team, realizing that there are many people around the world who
appreciate this airplane's role in aviation history.

Special thanks go to the Seattle Harbor Patrol, the Seattle Police Department, the U.S.
Coast Guard, the Foss team, Salty's Restaurant and so many more for the outstanding
support provided during the crew rescue and airplane recovery efforts.

Airscrew · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2002, 10:10:58 AM »

Rip, is there a site?, or pictures?

Ripsnort · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2002, 10:16:04 AM »

Of the post-accident? Not other than that what was shown once it was lifted on the barge, can't find any on the net at this moment, I'll check King 5's photo archieve, meanwhile this site shows the restored aircraft when it rolled out last fall, I was priveleged to be at the "roll out" cermony.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2002, 10:22:43 AM »

Here is some related info:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/64466_crew29.shtml

Airscrew · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2002, 10:31:40 AM »

thanks Rip, now I know what it looks like, I think I had it confused with another early Boeing, 210? 217? something like that, an early liner that looks similar to B17, with two engines.

Now that I see this one I wonder how much of the design was a result of the B17, seems the tail and wings look similar. Also looks alot like a Curtis C-46 except for the 4 engines.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2002, 10:38:59 AM »

Well, the Boeing 247 (below)looks similiar to the B17 in the cockpit area in its profile shot

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The B-17 was a low-wing monoplane that combined aerodynamic features of the XB-15 giant bomber, still in the design stage, and the Model 247 transport. The B-17 was the first Boeing military aircraft with a flight deck instead of an open cockpit and was armed with bombs and five .30-caliber machine guns mounted in clear "blisters."

The 307 incorporated alot from both the B17 and the B29, the latter being pressurization and the former as you mentioned, emmpanage, and the landing gear was identical to the B17.

Airscrew · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2002, 11:20:34 AM »

Thanks, I cant believe I forgot it was a 247. I used to have a 1/72 model of that plane with either TWA or Airmail markings about 25 years ago.

One of these days I need to dig up a book I have on the history of the B17, lots of neat stuff especially on the development from the 247 all the way up to the B29. Buried somewhere in my sister's attic for about eight years.

This also reminded me of the relationship between the B-36 and the XC-99. My dad used to work for a weather squadron at March or Travis in early 60's (edit, must have been when he first enlisted in mid to late 50's cause plane was retired in 57.) and knew the guys that flew the XC-99. Another one would be the B-29 and the KC-97, and I think it also was used as a commercial liner.

Wonder if anybody knows what happened to the XC-99, it was a one-of a kind cargo plane derived from the B36. It was parked off in no mans land near the end of the runway at Kelly AFB forever. Last time I remember seeing it was about 84 or 87. I heard some oil guy wanted to buy and turn it into a restaurant.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2002, 11:24:15 AM »

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Originally posted by MajTom
Another one would be the B-29 and the KC-97, and I think it also was used as a commercial liner.

Yep, that would be the 377 stratocruiser

Airscrew · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2002, 11:26:44 AM »

Edit, sorry heres the link if anybody is interested
http://www.40th-bomb-wing.com/gallery6.html

Ok, got curious and answered my own question.

A transport version of the Convair's B-36 bomber, the double decked XC-99 will be able to carry 400 troops, or 335 litter patients, or 100,000 pounds of cargo.

Like the B-36, it is powered by six R-4360, 3,000-hp pusher-type engines turning 19-foot reversible-pitch propellers.

The AAF has revealed that the huge transport will have a maximum range with reduced loads of more than 8,000 miles. Flights of this distance will call for a five-man crew and an equal number of relief crew members.

Design gross weight of the XC-99 is 265,000 pounds. Its wingspan is 230 feet and its length, 182.5 feet.

The XC-99 is at rest till the big move to Wright Patterson AFB for restoration at the AF Museum in Dayton, Ohio. The move Date is still unknown at this time... Information has it the old girl will have a nice warm and dry indoor home at Wright Patterson Museum after the move. . I understand they are taking bids on dismantling and shipping the old girl.............The photo's below are courtesy of Randall S. Condran of San Antonio, Texas

Ripsnort · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2002, 11:28:18 AM »

Cool Majtom! That was one awesome airframe!

Biggles · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2002, 01:55:33 PM »

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Originally posted by MajTom
This also reminded me of the relationship between the B-36 and the XC-99. My dad used to work for a weather squadron at March or Travis in early 60's (edit, must have been when he first enlisted in mid to late 50's cause plane was retired in 57.) and knew the guys that flew the XC-99. Another one would be the B-29 and the KC-97, and I think it also was used as a commercial liner.

Wonder if anybody knows what happened to the XC-99, it was a one-of a kind cargo plane derived from the B36. It was parked off in no mans land near the end of the runway at Kelly AFB forever. Last time I remember seeing it was about 84 or 87. I heard some oil guy wanted to buy and turn it into a restaurant.

My dad flew 2500 hours as a B-36D pilot [Fairchild AFB 92nd bomb group, 325th] so I've spent a lot of time looking for B-36 sites on the web. Here are a few good ones:

XC-99 page
B-36.net
B-36 Delphi forum

texace · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2002, 02:38:12 PM »

Speaking of which...does anyone know what happened to the B-36 they were restoring out here in Ft. Worth? Last I heard it was at Alliance but I'm not sure...

midnight Target · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2002, 03:02:30 PM »

This is on display right next door to my job.

Airscrew · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2002, 04:14:48 PM »

I remember either reserve or guard units still flying those about 82, when I was stationed at Lackland. Apartments I lived in where right under the final approach to Kelly, B52, C5s and everyonce in awhile the odd KC97. Of course I dont know if they where operational flights or if they were just ferrying them on there way to the bone yard.

Gadfly · « **Reply #14 on:** April 04, 2002, 06:21:27 PM »

They do(did) major refit and heavy maint. at Kelly, and they also do(did) a lot of heavies training.