In an exciting collaboration with renowned developer Airplane Heaven, the Microsoft Flight Simulator team proudly presents the latest addition to their Local Legend series: the awe-inspiring Boeing Stratoliner 307.
This remarkable aircraft takes flight enthusiasts back to the Golden Age of Flight, as it represents a significant milestone in aviation history. Unveiled by Boeing in the late 1930s, the Stratoliner 307 showcased groundbreaking technological advancements and became an icon in the world of airliners.
A Pioneering High-Altitude Airliner
The Boeing 307 Stratoliner was born out of years of dedicated effort by Boeing designers and engineers. As the world’s first high-altitude airliner, it featured a pressurized cabin, allowing it to operate at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet above sea level.
The maiden flight of this remarkable four-engine, long-range aircraft took place on December 31, 1938, and it entered regular service on July 4, 1940. Boeing produced a total of ten Stratoliners, each representing the epitome of luxury and comfort in air travel.
Innovative Design and Unparalleled Comfort
Based on Boeing’s B-17C bomber, the 307 incorporated several design elements from the renowned aircraft, including its wings, engines, engine configuration, empennage, and landing gear. However, the fuselage of the Stratoliner was distinct, featuring a circular cross-section with a generous diameter of 138 inches. This unique design facilitated the pressurized cabin required for high-altitude flight and allowed for spacious and comfortable seating arrangements.
Constructed primarily with aluminum alloy, the 307 utilized stressed-skin engineering, which maximized strength, flexibility, and maintained pressurization at altitude. The aircraft could accommodate up to 33 passengers and a crew of five, including two pilots and a pioneering addition for its time, a flight engineer. The flight engineer played a crucial role in managing technical aspects such as cabin pressurization, power settings, and electrical components.
The Stratoliner’s remarkable capabilities were achieved through engine-driven pumps that maintained cabin pressurization, enabling it to operate at altitudes up to 20,000 feet while maintaining an interior pressure equivalent to that of 8,000 feet. Its luxurious cabin featured sleeper berths, a galley, a lavatory, and a dressing room, providing an atmosphere reminiscent of opulent ocean liner voyages.
A Rich Legacy and Exclusive Features
The Boeing 307 Stratoliner holds a place of honor in aviation history. Industrialist Howard Hughes, known for his adventurous spirit, acquired the first 307 to attempt aviation records and eventually transformed it into a lavish “flying penthouse.” Three of the Stratoliners were purchased by Pan American Airlines (Pan Am), while Trans World Airlines (TWA) acquired five.
The Pan Am models utilized Wright Cyclone engines with single-stage superchargers, while the TWA variants featured Pratt & Whitney powerplants with two-stage sequential superchargers. The TWA aircraft were later converted for military use during World War II under the designation C-75.
While the original ten Stratoliners are no longer in operation, the legacy of this iconic aircraft lives on. One airframe, the “Clipper Flying Cloud” originally owned by Pan Am, has been meticulously restored by Boeing volunteers and permanently resides in the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington, D.C.
Experience the Boeing 307 Stratoliner in Microsoft Flight Simulator
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, the Boeing 307 Stratoliner comes to life with stunning accuracy and attention to detail. Measuring 38 feet, 7 inches in length and standing 20 feet, 9 inches tall, the aircraft boasts a wingspan of 107 feet, 3 inches.
Powered by four Wright GR-1820-G102A Cyclone radial engines, each producing up to 1,100 horsepower, the Stratoliner offers an authentic flight experience. With a range of 1,300 miles, a service ceiling of 23,800 feet, a cruise speed of 222 miles per hour, and a top speed of 250 mph, pilots can embark on thrilling journeys across the virtual skies.
The Boeing 307 Stratoliner is available in Microsoft Flight Simulator with four liveries: Boeing Delivery, Emerald Harbor, WorldTravel, and AREA (Colombian). Aviation enthusiasts can now soar into the heights with this classic aircraft, priced at $14.99. It’s time to answer the call of the sky and embark on unforgettable virtual adventures!
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