First flown on February 8, 1933, the Boeing 247 is regarded as the first modern airliner: an all-metal monoplane with retractable landing gear, an autopilot and de-icing equipment. Only 75 were built, because its very success drove the…
The Douglas DC-2 was an American twin-engined airliner seating fourteen passengers, developed from the DC-1 prototype and a direct rival to the Boeing 247. It flew on 11 May 1934, entered service with TWA a week later and became the basis…
The Short Empire was a four-engined monoplane flying boat developed by Short Brothers in the 1930s for Britain's imperial routes, carrying passengers and mail across two decks. Imperial Airways, BOAC, Qantas and TEAL operated it until…