B-377 Stratocruiser "Massada," Israeli Air Force, 1960s (1:200)

The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser was the commercial version of the C-97 Stratofreighter. The two-level 377 was pressurized and could accommodate 50 to 100 passengers. On long flights the aircraft could accommodate 28 upper and lower bunk units. This led to the aircraft being referred to as the Flying Hotel. The 377 was larger and could fly further than the Constellation or the DC-6 but the engines and complexity of the aircraft proved to be too costly to operate bringing production to an end in 1950.

Contract Number 15964 was delivered to American Overseas Airlines on January 5, 1950 as N90948 and Flagship Scotland. In September 1950 it was sold to Pan American who withdrew the aircraft from service in 1961. On February 2, 1962 it was sold to Israeli Aircraft Industries as 4X-AOI and converted to a freighter with rear clam shell doors and a side cargo door. On February 1, 1964 it was delivered to the IDF/ Air Force as 4X-FPY Massada. On October 16, 1975 it was struck off charge.

Specifications for the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser

First flight July 8, 1947

Number produced 56

Production ended - 1950

Accommodations
Main deck - Up to 100 passengers
Lower deck lounge 14 passengers
Typical seating 63 84 passengers
Converted to berths for long distance 28 + five seated

Performance
Engines (4) Pratt and Whitney R-4360-B6 Wasp Major 28-cylinder radial engines producing 3,500 hp each and powering four-bladed propellers
Maximum speed 375 mph (603 km/h)
Normal cruise speed 301 mph (483 km/h)
Maximum cruise 340 mph (547 km/h)
Range 4,200 miles (6,760 km) (3,650 nmi)
Service ceiling 32,000 ft (9,800 m)

Weight
Empty 83,500 lb (67,133 kg)
Gross 145,000 lb (65,770 kg)

Dimensions
Length 110 ft 4 in (33.63 m)
Wingspan 141 ft 3 in (43.05 m)
Height 38 ft 3 in (11.66 m)