The Boeing B-1 (company designation Model 6) is a small biplane flying boat designed by William Boeing shortly after World War I.

Design and development

The Model 6 was the first commercial design for Boeing (as opposed to military or experimental designs), hence the B-1 designation. Its layout was conventional for its day, with a Hall-Scott engine driving a pusher propeller mounted amongst the cabane struts. The pilot sat in an open cockpit at the bow, and up to two passengers could be carried in a second open cockpit behind the first. The design was reminiscent of the Curtiss HS-2L that Boeing had been building under license during the war.

Operational history

Only a single aircraft was built, as Boeing had trouble selling it in a market flooded with war-surplus aircraft. In 1920, it was purchased by Edward Hubbard, who used it to carry air mail between Seattle, Washington and Victoria, British Columbia. Air mail service began on 27 December 1919, and continued for eight years. The plane flew until 1930 before being preserved and put on display at Seattle's Museum of History and Industry in 1954.

Specifications

Boeing B-1D

Between May 1928 and April 1929, Boeing built two B-1Ds. Apart from the shape of the rudder, all other structural details were different to the original biplane

Specifications

Boeing B-1E

The six planes built from March 1928 were identical to the first B-1D except for heavier construction, the engine, and a redesigned rudder.

Specifications