The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was airliner version of the 367 BoeingStratofreighter, which in turn was the transport version of B-29 Superfortress. It first flew on July 8, 1947.
It was generally considered the greatest airliner in the air before the coming of the 707 and was the flagship of the Pan Am fleet. Its spiral staircase inspired the one on the 747.
Powerplants: Four 3500hp (2610kW) Pratt & Whitney R-4360-B6 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radials; four bladed propellers.
Performance: Max speed 326kt (603km/h); max cruise 295kt (547km/h); normal cruise 261kt (483km/h); service ceiling 32,000ft (9754m); max range 3650nm (6760km).
Weights: Empty 37,876kg (83,500lb); max takeoff 67,133kg (148,000lb).
Accommodation: Up to 100 passengers on main deck plus 14 in lower deck lounge; typical seating for 63 or 84 passengers or 28 berthed and five seated passengers.
Production: 56 Model 377 Stratocruisers (plus 888 military Model 367/K/C-97).
Reference
Wilson, Stewart. Airliners of the World. Fyshwick, Australia: Aerospace Publications, 1999.
External links
The Aviation History On-Line Museum - Boeing 377 Stratocruiser (http://www.aviation-history.com/boeing/377.html)
Add to this claims of fewer emissions, less noise, and a seat capacity stretching from the median 555 to a staggering 800 (double the heaving bottoms on a B747), and it’s small wonder airline accountants are beaming.
The Boeing 787 cabin will offer a visually relaxing “sweeping archways” design, window shades whose opacity can be altered at the flick of a button, greater humidification of cabin air, and a sky simulation effect through the use of colour changing light-emitting diodes in the aircraft ceiling.
By 1949, double-decker Boeing377 Stratocruisers were plying the North Atlantic with opulent digs, and even living rooms, for first class passengers.
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