Boeing Model 40 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Model 40
Role	Mail plane
Manufacturer	Boeing
First flight	July 20, 1925
Introduction	July 1, 1927
Primary users	Boeing Air Transport Varney Air Lines Pacific Air Transport
Number built	ca. 80

The Boeing Model 40 was a special airplane. It was built in the 1920s. This plane was a biplane, meaning it had two main wings. It also had one engine. The Boeing Model 40 was very important for delivering mail in the 1920s and 1930s. It was also the first plane made by Boeing that could carry passengers.

How the Plane Was Made and Designed

In 1925, the US Post Office needed a new mail plane. They wanted to replace their old DH-4 planes. The new plane had to use the same engine as the DH-4. This was because many of these engines were available. The first Model 40 could carry up to 1,000 lb (450 kg) of mail. The mail was kept in two storage areas at the front of the plane. Its wings were made of wood. The Model 40 also had landing gear that did not fold away.

The first Model 40 flew on July 7, 1925. The US Post Office bought this first plane. However, they decided to use the Douglas M-2 instead for their main mail service.

Later, Boeing created the Model 40A. This version had a new engine. The new engine was 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than the old one. The Model 40A also had a small room, called a cabin. This cabin could carry passengers. It could also carry 1,200 lb (540 kg) of mail. In January 1927, the US Post Office allowed Boeing to carry mail. This mail route went from San Francisco to Chicago. Boeing built 24 Model 40As for this important job.

The next version was the Model 40C. This plane had a bigger cabin. It could carry four passengers. Some Model 40As also got new, lighter engines. These planes were then called the Model 40B-2. Another version, the Model 40B-4, combined features. It had the bigger cabin of the Model 40C and the engine of the Model 40B-2. Boeing kept making Model 40 planes until February 1932.

History of the Boeing Model 40

Boeing started its own airline. It was called Boeing Air Transport. This airline began flying on July 1, 1927. Its first route was from San Francisco to Chicago.

Different Types of Boeing Model 40 Planes

A Boeing Model 40 flying in the 1930s.

Model 40

This was the very first design of the plane.

Model 40A

This design was made in 1927. It had new engines. It also had a cabin for two passengers. Boeing made 25 of these planes.

Model 40B

These were Model 40As that received a new engine. Their name was changed to Model 40B-2.

Model 40B-4

These were Model 40-Bs with a larger cabin. They could carry four people. They also had windows that could open. Boeing built 38 of these.

Model 40B-4A

This was one Model 40B. It was used by Pratt & Whitney for testing new parts.

Model 40H-4

These were four Model 40B-4s. They were built by Boeing Canada.

Model 40C

This plane was like the Model 40B-4. But it used the same engine as the Model 40A. Ten of these were made.

Who Used the Boeing Model 40?

 Honduras

• Honduran Air Force

 United States

• Boeing Air Transport

Surviving Boeing Model 40 Planes

A Boeing Model 40C in 2008.

As of February 17, 2008, there is only one Model 40 that can still fly. It is a Model 40C with the number S/N 1043. This plane is the oldest Boeing aircraft that can still fly today. In 1928, the plane was damaged in a crash. It was later rebuilt by Pemberton and Sons Aviation in Spokane, Washington. On May 8, 2010, this historic plane flew alongside Boeing's newest plane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Many museums also have parts or full Model 40 planes on display.

Details of the Model 40A

Data from Boeing Aircraft since 1916

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Capacity: two passengers and 1,200 lb (540 kg) mail
• Length: 33 ft 21⁄4 in (10.12 m)
• Wingspan: 44 ft 21⁄4 in (13.47 m)
• Height: 12 ft 31⁄8 in (3.74 m)
• Wing area: 547 sq ft (50.82 m²)
• Empty weight: 3,531 lb (1605 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 6000 lb (2727 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Wasp, 420 hp (313 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 128 mph (111 knots, 206 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 105 mph (91 knots, 169 km/h)
• Range: 650 mi (565 nmi, 1046 km)
• Service ceiling: 14,500 ft (4420 m)
• Rate of climb: 770 ft/min (3.9 m/s)

Accidents Involving the Model 40

Like all early aircraft, the Model 40 had some accidents. Here are a few examples:

• February 26, 1928: A Model 40A crashed near Marquette, Nebraska. One passenger died, but the pilot survived.
• November 18, 1930: A Model 40 crashed into a mountain during a storm. All three people on board died.
• January 22, 1931: A Model 40 crashed into a mountain in thick fog. The pilot died.
• May 5, 1931: A Model 40 crashed into a canyon while trying to land. Both people on the plane died.
• September 16, 1931: A Model 40 crashed into San Francisco Bay shortly after taking off. The reason for the crash is not known. Everyone on board died.
• November 23, 1931: A Model 40 crashed near Salt Lake Airport. The pilot died.
• November 26, 1931: A Model 40 crashed near Pasco, Washington. The pilot died.
• February 2, 1932: A Model 40 crashed after landing in California. One of the two people on board died.
• May 16, 1932: A Model 40 crashed in fog. All three people on the plane died.

Images for kids

• 

  Model 40C at Oshkosh 2008. Both passenger entry doors, one for each of the two-seat rows, are on the left side of the fuselage.

• 

  Cover flown from San Francisco to Chicago by a Model 40A operated by Boeing Air Transport on the first day US Transcontinental Air Mail under Contract. July 1, 1927

• 

  Model 40C Pilot's panel with some modern features added for safe operation.

• 

  Model 40C front seat of rear passenger cabin showing the fold-down writing desk/table.

See also

In Spanish: Boeing Model 40 para niños