The Model 299

-Boeing Aircraft Co., responded to a US Army Proposal #35-356, August 1934, which requested drawings and specification for a Multi-Engine Aircraft capable of flying 2000 miles, with a 2000 lb. bomb-load, flying at 200 MPH.

**-In September 1934 Boeing approved $275,000 for the design and construction of a four engine aircraft to meet Army specifications

-Construction started December 1934, Model 299, Army air Corps XB-17 Completed early July 1935, Maiden flight July 28, 1935…”X” designated the Experimental model

**-Test flights achieved 233 mph, far exceeding competitors, Martin B-10, Douglas DB-1, in addition to range on fuel load…over 2100 miles. -The Model 299 was designed for an 8 man crew.

-The following are exceedingly rare photographs, these were taken inside the hanger prior to the roll-out.

**-Due to Government request the Pratt & Whitney Hornet engine was fitted, producing 750 hp, supposedly supplied at no cost to Boeing for this experimental aircraft. If you recall there was previous partnership with the two companies.

**-Pratt & Whitney were the favored engine manufacturer for the Army Air Corps at the time, mainly due to vigorous marketing by the company...free engines for prototypes, etc. At the time the government liked free stuff.

**-Eventually Boeing’s investment in this project was close to $400,000.

**-Actual roll-out of the Model 299, was on July 17, 1935. Just love the old cars in these photos.

**-At the unveiling a Seattle Times Reporter, Richard L Williams stated upon seeing the guns bristling from the aircraft, describing it as a “Fifteen ton Flying Fortress”.

-October 30, 1935, Crash destroying the aircraft, Wright Patterson, killing Major Hill, Army Air Corps Test Pilot, Leslie Tower Boeing test pilot.

-Cause, control column lock was in place at take off.

-Costs, Douglas DB-1 $99,150 per unit on a 25 plane contract, Model 299, $196,750 on the same order…on a 220 plane order the costs dropped to $58,500 for the Douglas, $99,620 for the Model 299.