We look back through our archives at the pivotal moments in the 100-year history of aerospace’s biggest company, from the early days of aviation to the space programme.
Flight Daily News marked Boeing’s 100th anniversary with a retrospective look at some of the manufacturer’s most historic developments and iconic products, as they were reported at the time by Flight International.
In a first reference to what would become the world’s largest aerospace company, we reported in 1920: “The performance of a batch of ten aeroplanes ordered by the U.S. Government from the Boeing Aeroplane Co. of Seattle, will be watched with interest.” Flight had begun reporting on the emerging industry in 1909. From its early days developing military seaplanes, we chart Boeing’s move into commercial aircraft, starting with the Model 40 of 1927, to the growth of Air Mail flights, and on through airliner derivatives of bombers to the household names associated with mass travel since the 1950s. We also cover its military heritage through types like the B-17 and B-52 and the Model 314 Clipper flying boat.
Our report also notes some of the company’s major acquisitions made over the years – including those of Vertol and McDonnell Douglas, recognises its contribution to human spaceflight and looks at ventures that never took off – such as the Model 2707 supersonic transport and the Sonic Cruiser.
Download our Boeing 100 years special report here
Boeing
Source: Flight Daily News
