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Boeing 247: The First of Monoplane Firsts

11Sep

By Alexander PaskNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

Boeing 247: The First of Monoplane Firsts

Before the introduction of the Boeing 247, most airliners were made out of fabric and were high wing monoplanes. However, Boeing designed the 247 to be revolutionary in so many ways. And because of this, the 247 left a large impact on aircraft design of the era. You could argue that after the Wright Flyer, it was one of the most instrumental aircraft designs ever! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pre-Boeing 247 Before Boeing introduced the Boeing 247, the vast majority of aircraft were biplanes, with fuselages made from fabric. Most aircraft before the 247 were also incredibly slow and had very short ranges. At the time, crossing the US by air often took more than 36 hours, and usually required a change of aircraft or a layover. This, combin...

Why were there so many aircraft manufacturers in the UK in the 1950’s?

7Sep

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

History

Why were there so many aircraft manufacturers in the UK in the 1950’s?

At one point in time, there were hundreds of aircraft manufacturers in the UK. All of them producing aircraft on the bleeding edge of technology. But now, this has been reduced to a mere handful- and not really a handful, only five aircraft manufacturers remain in the UK - and only two are truly British. So what happened to the rest of them? Since the 1950's, aircraft manufacturers in the UK have come together, buying one another out. This was done so that they could compete with Boeing. They needed to be more centralized in order to remain competitive with Boeing, and produce aircraft for the RAF and British airlines. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Today, there are only really five major aircraft manufacturers in the UK. These are: Bombardier UK BAE S...

4Sep

By Alexander PaskNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

15 Best Fighter Jets in History!

Since the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903, many military strategists have seen the practical applications of aviation. This has resulted in the birth of fighter jets, but which are the best fighter jets to have ever flown? The first fighter aircraft appeared during WWI, with them becoming incredibly popular during WWII. During the Cold War, fighter jets as we know them today became widespread. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 15. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 When it comes to the best fighter jets in the world, especially historical ones, the MiG-15 is certainly one of them. Despite being one of the first, first-generation jet fighters, it's still a powerhouse today! The MiG-15 became famous during the Korean War for being the first Soviet ...

31Aug

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

Sikorsky S-76: helicopter luxury

We have covered private jets. The G650 and Lineage 1000. But never private helicopters. The S-76 is the most luxurious helicopter. It has been owned by celebrities and billionaires alike. The S-76 was famously flown by Donald Trump. An aircraft worth $7 million. The Sikorsky seats two pilots and 4-12 VIPs. The Sikorsky also comes with an inbuilt entertainment system. One to rival the G650’s. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Why was the Sikorsky S-76 brought into being? The development of the Sikorsky began in the mid 1970’s. It was initially called the S-74. It was renamed to honour the US bicentennial. The main purpose of the S-74 was as a medium helicopter. For corporate transportation in the oil drilling industry. The S-74 was based on the S-70 helico...

Ford Trimotor: When Henry Ford Became an Aviation Pioneer

28Aug

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

Ford Trimotor: When Henry Ford Became an Aviation Pioneer

The Ford Trimotor was one of the most common and successful aircraft of its time. Henry Ford, the legendary car manufacturer, himself aided in the design of the Trimotor and helped make it such a big success! Despite this, in only a few short years, the Ford Trimotor had become almost irrelevant. Newer and more modern designs like the Boeing 247 made the trimotor almost entirely obsolete, but why? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pre-Trimotor Prior to the introduction of the Trimotor, most aircraft were biplanes. They were noticeably slower, usually only being powered by two engines. The fuselage was often not aerodynamic as well. These aircraft also had severely limited ranges, often struggling to travel from one end of the state to the othe...

24Aug

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

787: The Dreamliner

The 747 may be the Queen of the Skies. But the 787 will replace it. The 747 is 50 years old. It is no longer the way people travel. The Dreamliner is the future. The way Boeing see air travel. However, the 747 is not the only aircraft the Dreamliner will replace. The 757. And the 767. Both are to be replaced by the 787. The Dreamliner is designed to go far distances. Distances only previously provided by wide body airliners. How was the 787 brought into being? The 787 originally came around in the 1990’s. Sales of the 767 and 747-400 were slowing. Two new aircraft were proposed to prop up sales. The 747X and the Sonic Cruiser. The 747X would be a lengthened 747-400. The Sonic Cruiser would travel at Mach 0.98. Both whilst burning due at the same rate. (adsbygoogle = win...

21Aug

By Alexander PaskNo Comments

Aircraft Compare

F-35 vs F-22: The Best Stealth Fighter?

Since the USAF introduced the F-35 in 2016, in order to combat the next generation of Chinese and Russian jets, many members of the public, generals and avgeeks have wondered which is better- F-22 or F-35? Both the F-22 and F-35 were brought into service because they were stealth aircraft that could shoot the enemy down before the enemy even knew they were there. But which one is superior? Today we find out! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); F-35 vs F-22: What is Stealth? The general public gets stealth almost completely wrong. To many in the general public, stealth means that no radar can hit or find the aircraft, no matter how hard it tries. Some members of the public actually believe that "stealth" means "invisible" (to the human eye). Howe...

17Aug

By Christopher Harrow1 Comment

Aircraft Digest

Embraer Lineage 1000: Brazilian luxury

The Embraer Lineage 1000 competes with the G650. The Lineage 1000 is Embraer’s answer to the G650. With a price tag of $53 million. It’s significantly cheaper than the G650. But much like the G650. Is it worth the money? The Embraer Lineage 1000 costs $45 million. A Lineage 1000E costs $53 million. Like many business jets, the aircraft comes with many luxuries. A sleeping chamber. A bar. A kitchen. Seating areas. An entertainment area. Luxury dining area. And a walk in shower. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); How was the Lineage 1000 brought into being? In the early 21st century, Embraer wanted to capitalise on the Embraer 190. The Embraer 190 was a successful passenger aircraft. It has a larger cross section than the G650. And similar aircraft. However it is si...

Lockheed Constellation: Lockheed’s Most Successful Passenger Airliner

14Aug

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

Lockheed Constellation: Lockheed’s Most Successful Passenger Airliner

The Lockheed Constellation was Lockheed's most successful passenger airliner. When the "Connie" as it was nicknamed, was introduced, it was among the largest aircraft of its time. It was also one of Lockheed's most successful aircraft, being the most successful commercial aircraft. Due to this, the original Constellation inspired an entire family, some of whom are still flying today! (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Pre-Constellation Before the Lockheed Constellation was introduced, most airliners were incredibly slow and could only transport around 10 people at a time. The leading airliners at the time were the Boeing 247 and Lockheed Model 10 Electra. Due to this, airlines found it incredibly difficult to stay profitable, without governmen...

Gulfstream G650: the most luxurious flying

10Aug

By Christopher HarrowNo Comments

Aircraft Digest

Gulfstream G650: the most luxurious flying

Much like the 747. The Gulfstream G650 is an air icon. Even if it’s only relatively new. The Gulfstream G650 is the world’s most luxurious aircraft. It costs $69.5 million. But is it worth it? The standard G650 costs $69.5 million. The ER version costs $71.5 million. The aircraft consists of many luxury items. A bed chamber. An entertainment room. A full kitchen. A bar. And luxury dining and seating areas. How was the Gulfstream G650 brought into being? The G650 has become Gulfstream’s premier flagship. Gulfstream wanted a larger, faster and more expensive jet to enter the market. In May 2005, Gulfstream launched an internal project. In March 2008, it was revealed to the public. The wing design was completed in 2006. In 2008, it completed 1,400 hours of wind tunnel testing. On 26 S...