Boeing Monomail
The Boeing Model 200 Monomail was an American mail plane. It was built in the 1930s by Boeing. It flew for the first time on 6 May 1930.
| Model 200 and 221 Monomail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A United Airlines Model 221 | |
| Role | Airliner |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 6 May 1930 |
| Retired | 1933 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary user | United Airlines |
| Number built | 2 |
| Developed into | Boeing YB-9 |
The Boeing Monomail was a monoplane instead of a biplane. The wing was strong and did not need bracing. Its wheels could be retracted. Only one plane was made for the US Army to look at. The plane eventually began to fly main from San Francisco to Chicago.
Another version was made, the Model 221. It was made longer by 8 inches. This meant it could carry passengers, but less cargo. This version first flew on 18 August 1930.
There were no good engines for the Boeing Monomail to use. By the time good engines could be used, new planes had been made which were better than the Monomail. One of these was the Boeing 247.
Types of Boeing Monomail
- Model 200
- mailplane (one was built)
- Model 221
- mailplane which could carry six passengers (one was built)
- Model 221A
- Model 200 and 221 changed into airliners
Users
Details (Model 221)
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Capacity: 6 passengers
- Length: 42 ft (13 m)
- Wingspan: 59 ft (18 m)
- Airfoil: Boeing 106
- Gross weight: 8,000 lb (3,629 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1860 Hornet B radial engine, 575 hp (429 kW)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
- Maximum speed: 158 mph (254 km/h; 137 kn)
- Cruise speed: 135 mph (217 km/h; 117 kn)
- Range: 575 mi (500 nmi; 925 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,700 ft (4,500 m)
References
- Boeing History - Boeing Monomail Transport Retrieved June 17, 2006.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions.
- World Aircraft Information Files. London: Bright Star Publishing.