| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Boeing Model 1A (B&W) Seaplane (Replica)
Single-Engine Two-Seat Biplane Seaplane
Archive Photos 1
Overview 1,2
To commemorate the 50th anniversary on July 15, 1966, Boeing built a full-scale replica of its first airplane, the B&W, to emphasize the great advances made in aircraft design over the half-century. Rather than give the replica a new Boeing c/n in the jet airliner range, it was given c/n 1A.
While the outward appearance was authentic, many internal changes were made in the interest of production economy, structural integrity, safety afloat, and airworthiness. Principal changes were the use of welded steel tubing for the fuselage and tail, modernized flight controls and instrumentation, and a modern Lycoming GO-435 engine de-rated to 170 hp. In spite of a 500-pound increase in empty weight, the increased engine power and improved aerodynamics gave the replica the same performance as the original.
Boeing requested the registration number 1916B. This was not available, so 1916L, was assigned and applied very inconspicuously to the fuselage beneath the horizontal stabilizer.
Although the aircraft was completed and initially flown as a pure seaplane, bolt-on wheels were soon added to the floats to enable the replica to be demonstrated at airshows held on regular airports.2
Specifications 2
References