Boeing Model S-307 (PAA-307) Stratoliner, NASM, Drawings

First flown in late 1938, the Boeing Model 307 Stratoliner was the first airliner with a pressurized fuselage. It could carry 33 passengers in great comfort and cruise at 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), while maintaining a cabin pressure of 2,438 meters (8,000 feet). This enabled the Stratoliner to fly above most bad weather, thereby providing a faster and smoother ride. The Stratoliner incorporated the wings, tail, and engines of the Boeing B-17C bomber. The wide fuselage was fitted with sleeper berths and reclining seats. Ten Stratoliners were built. The prototype was lost in an accident, but five were delivered to TWA and three were purchased by Pan American Airways (PAA). TWA owner Howard Hughes purchased a heavily modified version for his personal use. The National Air and Space Museum's Boeing 307 was flown by PAA as the Clipper Flying Cloud. Former PAA Flight engineer Bob Stubb started refurbishing the aircraft and was responsible for doing much of the initial work and fundraising (mostly donations from PAA retirees) to start the restoration. Later, Boeing took over the project and decided to restore the aircraft to flying condition, which they completed in 2001. The restored aircraft was delivered to NASM in August of 2003.