Boeing experimental model 314 prototype at Matthew’s Beach in the late 1930s

Love this shot of a Boeing experimental model 314 prototype at Matthew’s Beach in the late 1930s. The aircraft will be sold to Pan America Airways, renumbered NC 18601 and named the “Honolulu Clipper”. The airplane was built at Boeing’s Plant 1, then transported by barge to Elliot Bay. It carried experimental registration NX 18601. Test pilot Edmund Turney “Eddie” Allen made the first flight of the prototype on June 7th, 1938. He reported that the flying boat had insufficient rudder control and that he had to vary engine power to turn it. The prototype was modified to a twin-tail configuration. With two vertical fins and rudders, control was improved, but was still insufficient. A third, center, fin was added and this became the production configuration… read more >