Boeing 247

This very advanced all-metal monoplane, designed as a 12 passenger airline, has all the most modern features: air conditioning and cabin heating, sound proofing, radio, a de-icing system for the wings and tail, variable pitch three-bladed propellers, engine superchargers, flaps, and retractable landing gear. The first flight by a Model 247 was on Febuary 9, 1933. The hinged nose allows access to a luggage component.
Some modifications have been made to the aircraft of the Starkweather-Moore Expedition, as follows: retractable ski landing gear, oxygen breathing apparatus, extra radio equipment, gyrocompass, radio direction finder, artificial horizon, an eight-fallon fresh water tank, extra fuel tanks, lightweight folding seats, wider doors (to fit cargo and fueld drums), motion picture camera rack and optically flat window, and electric engine heaters.

Power Generation

The engines are two Pratt & Whitney "Wasp" S1H1-G nine cylinder air-cooled, radials, 550 HP each. Features include inertia (hand cranked) and electric (battery) starter, engine fire extinguisers, and a 12 gallon oil tank (normally filled with 10 gallons, to allow for expansion). Each engine uses 25 gallons of gasoline per hour at 'cruise' setting, or 35 per hour at full power. Total fuel capacity is 770 gallons, 220 carried in wing tanks, and 550 in auxiliary tanks built into the fuselage. Engine overhauls are needed after 300 hours of operation. The Model 247 can climb with one engine shut down, up to 6000 feet of altitude, depending on load.

Owning Organization

Starkweather-Moore Expedition

Length

51' 7"

Weight

11,000 lbs. (empty)

Speed

170 mph (cruising 200 mph (max 60mph (stall)