Boeing Dash 80 arrives at NASM

Air Classics, Nov 2003

Historic prototype for permanent preservation

The Boeing 707, which first flew in 1954 as the prototype Boeing 367-80, was America's first commercially successful jet airliner and revolutionized commercial air transportation. The prototype, commonly referred to as the Dash 80, arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on 27 August after a flight from Seattle. The aircraft, in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum since Boeing donated it in 1972, will be exhibited at the museum's new companion facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center which is scheduled to open on 15 December. The aircraft had been restored by Boeing back to its original colors (although newer turbofan engines are installed).

The Dash 80 is one of scores of historically significant aircraft heing flown in from other cities or removed from storage to go into the NASM's new facility. The move-in process began last March and will continue through opening day and beyond.

With jet engines and swept wings, the Dash 80 combined aerodynamic and structural features of the B-47 and B-52 with the cabin capacity of the larger C-97. On 15 July 1954, the Dash 80 marked the 38th anniversary of the Boeing Company by making its maiden flight. The airplane was clearly a winner with a speed 100-mph faster than the de Havilland Comet while being significant larger. It had a range of more than 3500-mi vs 1750-mi for the Comet.

The Dash 80 became the prototype for the KC-135 Stratotanker, the first jet aerial tanker. Boeing would build 732 KC-135s.

Besides its fame as America's first jet airliner, the Dash 80 became a legend when test pilot Alvin "Tex" Johnston rolled the airliner over Lake Washington during the 1955 hydroplane races. The daring feat was viewed by thousands of astonished spectators and dozens of shocked Boeing executives.

Pan American. World Airways ordered 20 Boeing 707s, as the Dash 80 became known after its official commercial launch. At Pan American's request, the design was widened to accommodate six across seating and lengthened an additional 10-ft. Boeing would go on to produce 1010 707s.

Until it was donated to the NASM, the Dash 80 soldiered on as a highly successful experimental aircraft. It tested numerous advanced systems, many of which were incorporated into later jet designs.