Boeing 247 - The First Modern Airliner Flexfit Hat

The Boeing Model 247 is a landmark in aviation history, marking a significant leap forward in the development of all-metal monoplane designs during the early 1930s. As the first modern airliner, the Boeing 247 revolutionized air travel by introducing features such as a semi-monocoque fuselage, retractable landing gear, and deicing systems, setting new standards for speed, safety, and comfort. Operational from 1933, this twin-engine plane could carry 10 passengers over a 745-mile range at speeds up to 200 mph, outpacing its contemporaries and dominating commercial air routes. Its introduction by United Airlines sparked a competitive frenzy, leading to rapid advancements in civil aviation technology. Despite its relatively short production span, with only 75 units built, the Boeing 247's legacy as the progenitor of modern airliners is undeniable, paving the way for the future of commercial aviation.

Like the image but not on a Hat? See this same graphic elsewhere.