Boeing 377 Stratocruiser Airliner and the C-97 Stratofreighter transport DVD
This DVD is a collection of films and newsreels on the famous Boeing 377 Stratocruiser airliner and the C-97 Stratofreighter transport. The story begins when Boeing built the B-29 Superfortress that eventually was designed as a double decker troop carrier, the C-97 Stratofreighter. After WW2 it was decided to build a pressurized version for the airlines and the Boeing 377 was born.
The Stratocruiser was a remarkable aircraft with notable technical specifications and performance capabilities. It featured a seating capacity of 69 passengers on its main deck, complemented by an additional 14 seats in an innovative downstairs lounge. For added convenience and privacy, separate dressing rooms for men and women were available, an amenity that further elevated the level of onboard comfort. This long-range "jumbo" could cruise at a speed of 325 mph.
Propelling the Stratocruiser were Wasp Major supercharged piston engines, recognized as the most powerful radial engines ever manufactured. Despite their impressive power, these engines were maintenance-intensive and were linked to several operational challenges, including crashes.
In terms of production, only 56 units of the Stratocruiser were ever constructed, each carrying a substantial price tag of $2 million. The combination of its passenger capacity, speed, and engine power positioned the Stratocruiser as a significant part of aviation history, despite the hurdles posed by its mechanical complexity.
Exploring the Design and Technological Features of the Stratocruiser's Flight Deck and Interior
The Stratocruiser boasts a flight deck that offers extensive visibility, a feature inherited from its origins as a B-29 bomber. This impressive space allows pilots to have an expansive view, enhancing both maneuverability and navigation.
Cockpit and Control Innovations
From the vantage point of the Flight Engineer, the Stratocruiser's cockpit instruments are meticulously detailed. The central control pedestal showcases the intricate technology that contributed to its advanced flight capabilities. This vantage point reflects the precision and complexity of the aircraft’s operational framework.
Innovative Upper Deck Design
Distinctive for its time, the Stratocruiser's upper deck defied contemporary design standards. Sleeping Bunks: Instead of traditional overhead compartments, passengers had access to sleeping bunks that added comfort on long flights. This innovative use of space was a true testament to the aircraft's multifunctional approach.
Spacious Seating: The upper deck also featured a generous 2×2 seating arrangement, ensuring comfort and ease for travelers. This layout exemplified the luxurious standards that the Stratocruiser was known for, providing ample room for passengers.
Mid-Cabin and Safety Features
The mid-cabin marked the entrance to the aircraft's lower level via a stairwell located centrally in the cabin, subtly integrating connectivity between the upper and lower decks. Additional thoughtful design elements included compartments located on the upper seat backs, where life vests were stored. This not only ensured passenger safety but also maximized space efficiency, maintaining the cabin’s sleek design.
The combination of these design and technological features positioned the Stratocruiser as a pioneering force in the evolution of passenger aircraft, marrying comfort with cutting-edge innovation.
DVD Contents
Film #1 - Boeing 377 Stratocruiser - This is a great Boeing film on the early development and uses of the 377 Stratocruiser. Only 55 of these pressurized long range airliners were ever built and their only weak point was a reliability problem with their four Wright Double Wasp engines with large four-bladed propellers! This film is truly a piece of aviation history. Runtime is about 15 minutes.
Film #2 - C-97 Stratofreighter - This is a USAF MATS film on Cargo Critical. It is about getting wounded men to a hospital quickly and one way to do that was to get them back to the States. The C-97 fit the bill very well for that task. The C-97 was an enlarged B-29. We included a newsreel about the capacity of this great aircraft. Runtime is about 16 minutes.
Film #3 - Boeing B-29 Superfort - This is a US Army Air Forces film on the B-29 Superfort. The story is about the building and using the B-29 Superfort in the Pacific war against Japan. The film shows footage of the factory and the bombing of Japan during WW2. Runtime is about 13 minutes.
Film #4 - The KC-50 Tanker - Aerial refueling became very important after WW2 so the USAF developed the KC Tanker series. This is a short film on the Boeing KC-50, which is an advanced B-29 airframe. Runtime is about 5 minutes.
Film #5 - C-97 Newsreels - This is a collection of C-97 and Boeing 377 newsreels:
Runtime is about 10 minutes.
Film #6 - The Boeing Guppy - The Boeing Guppy was designed from the advanced B-50 with a very large carrying capacity. This is a short NASA film on the Boeing Guppy loading two NASA F-5 fighters and taking off. Runtime is about 5 minutes.
Total runtime for the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser Airliner C-97 Stratofreighter DVD is about 64 minutes. Format is NTSC DVD and region-free.
