Boeing 314 Clipper (C-98)

Long-Range Flying Boat Aircraft

United States | 1939

"The Boeing Model 314 Clipper flying boat saw only 12 such examples produced in two variations."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 10/23/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The Boeing Model 314 "Clipper" was a flying boat developed by Boeing Aircraft Company to fulfill a Pan American requirement for a long-range passenger flying boat transport. The system saw only 12 examples produced in two variants and could ferry up to 68 passengers in late 1930's/early 1940's comfort. Clippers served in a military capacity once the war was in full swing for America, gradually returning to civilian flight in the post-war world - naturally outclassed by the new crop of longer-range aircraft no available.

The 314 Clipper followed suit with other flying boat aircraft designs of the time, featuring a monocoque stout fuselage and high-mounted engines on a monoplane wing assembly. The crew sat high atop the flight deck and consisted of 11 personnel that would include stewards. Passenger accommodations were variable in that 68 could be flown through daytime routes whilst seating was limited to 36 passengers on overnight route - the seats could be fully converted to sleeping bunks in this case, dropping the total amount of passenger space in this respect. One highly distinguishable design aspect of the Clipper was in the use of a three-fin tail assembly, utilized when testing of single and double tail fins proved inadequate at providing the airframe with additional control.

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Make no mistake, these aircraft were built with a certain clientele in mind. Professional chefs were hired to provide quality meals from the inflight galley. A separate dining area and changing rooms were also fitted into the design. In essence, the Boeing 314 series was the flying boat of choice for the wealthy American during this time. Transatlantic flying had now undergone a rich evolution, offering up an inflight playground for passengers willing to brave the long overseas flights in style.

Two variations of the 314 Clipper existed as the base 314, fitted with 4 x Wright R-2600 Double Cyclone engines at 1,500 horsepower a piece and the 314A, which saw use of the more powerful Wright Double Cyclone 1,600 horsepower engine. Six of each variation were produced for a total of 12 full operational examples. Clippers were in service with distinguishable names from 1939 through 1951 and were represented as the Honolulu Clipper, Cape Town Clipper, Anzac Clipper, Pacific Clipper, American Clipper, Yankee Clipper, California Clipper and the Atlantic Clipper - all operated by Pan Am. The remaining three Clippers were flown with the British Overseas Airways Corporation and represented with the Bristol, Bangor and the Berwick. Unfortunately, no full examples of the Clipper exist today, with the preceding models being either purposely destroyed, dismantled or lost to accident (three such incidents in this case).

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Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one aircraft design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Boeing 314A Clipper (C-98) Long-Range Flying Boat Aircraft.

4 x Wright R-2600-3 radial engines developing 1,600 horsepower each.
Propulsion

211 mph
340 kph | 184 kts
Max Speed

19,619 ft
5,980 m | 4 miles
Service Ceiling

3,664 miles
5,896 km | 3,184 nm
Operational Range

Structure
The nose-to-tail, wingtip-to-wingtip physical qualities of the Boeing 314A Clipper (C-98) Long-Range Flying Boat Aircraft.

11
(MANNED)
Crew

106.1 ft
32.33 m
O/A Length

152.1 ft
(46.36 m)
O/A Width

20.4 ft
(6.22 m)
O/A Height

48,281 lb
(21,900 kg)
Empty Weight

83,776 lb
(38,000 kg)
MTOW

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Boeing 314 Clipper (C-98) family line.

314 - Base Production Model Designation; fitted with 4 x Wright R-2600 Double Cyclone 1,500hp engines; 6 such examples produced.

314A - Improved 314 Model; fitted with 4 x Wright Dougle Cyclone 1,600hp engines; increased range; increased fuel capacity; redesigned propeller systems; 6 examples produced.

C-98 - Military Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Boeing 314 Clipper (C-98). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national aircraft listing.

Total Production: 12 Units
Contractor(s): Boeing Aircraft Company - USA

[ United Kingdom; United States ]

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Going Further...
The Boeing 314 Clipper (C-98) Long-Range Flying Boat Aircraft appears in the following collections:

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