The Boeing Model 204 was an American biplane, pusher configuration flying-boat aircraft built by Boeing in 1929. Externally, the 204 looked identical to the Boeing Model 6E, but a number of internal changes, including increasing the passenger capacity to four, gave it a new type certificate and model number.[1]

Model 204
Role passenger flying-boat
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
Introduction 1929
Number built 7
Developed from Boeing Model 6E

Development

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Construction was started on five aircraft, but only two were completed.[1] The first, designated 204 and the second 204A. A third aircraft was built by a private owner who had bought the three incomplete machines. The 204A was a dual-control version which was later owned by Peter Barnes, who flew it on his private Seattle-Victoria, British Columbia main run.[2]

The C-204 Thunderbird, a modified 204, was the first type produced by Boeing Aircraft of Canada. These had altered wing and tailplane incidence and a reduction in upper wing area. The prototype was first flown on 30 March 1930, the first of a batch of four. They failed to sell readily, though they were sometimes leased for work. Eventually three were sold. All worked in British Columbia, remaining active until 1939.[3]

Variants

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204
Four-seat variant of the Model 6E, one built.
204A
As the Model 204 with dual-control, one built.
C-204 Thunderbird
Four 204s built by Boeing Canada.[3][4]

Specifications (204)

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Data from Bowers, 1966, pg. 138

General characteristics

  • Crew: one pilot
  • Capacity: four passengers
  • Length: 32 ft 7 in (9.93 m)
  • Wingspan: 39 ft 8.25 in (12.10 m)
  • Height: 12 ft 0 in (3.66 m)
  • Wing area: 470 sq ft (43.66 m2)
  • Empty weight: 3,298 lb (1,496 kg)
  • Gross weight: 4,940 lb (2,240 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp , 410 hp (305 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 115 mph (185 km/h, 100 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 95 mph (153 km/h, 83 kn)
  • Range: 350 mi (563 km, 300 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 9,000 ft (2,743 m)
  • Rate of climb: 1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b Bowers, 1966, p. 137
  2. ^ Bowers, 1966, p. 138
  3. ^ a b Molson and Taylor pp. 113-4
  4. ^ Bowers, 1966, pg. 139

Bibliography

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  • Bowers, Peter M. Boeing aircraft since 1916. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1966.
  • Molson, K.M.; Taylor, H.A. (1982). Canadian Aircraft since 1909. London: Putnam Publishing. ISBN 0-370-30095-5.
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