The Boeing Model 367-80, famously known as the Dash 80, is one of the most important aircraft ever built. Though it never entered commercial production, this revolutionary prototype laid the foundation for two of Boeing’s most successful aircraft families—the Boeing 707 and the KC-135 Stratotanker. Its influence reshaped both commercial jet travel and military aviation, marking the beginning of the modern jet age.
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Boeing Model 367-80
What Is the Boeing Model 367-80?
The Boeing Model 367-80 was a four-engine jet aircraft prototype developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. Designed to prove the viability of large jet-powered transport aircraft, it first flew on July 15, 1954.
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At the time, Boeing took a massive financial risk by funding the project privately, investing approximately $16 million—a bold move that would ultimately redefine the company’s future.
Why the Dash 80 Was So Important
Birth of the Commercial Jetliner
Before the Dash 80, commercial air travel relied heavily on propeller-driven aircraft. Boeing needed to demonstrate that jet engines could safely, efficiently, and reliably power passenger planes. The Model 367-80 proved exactly that, directly leading to the development of the Boeing 707, the world’s first successful commercial jetliner.
Military Impact: KC-135 Stratotanker
The U.S. Air Force quickly recognized the potential of the Dash 80’s design. This resulted in the KC-135, a jet-powered aerial refueling aircraft that remains in service decades later. The military variant actually entered service before the 707, highlighting the prototype’s immediate strategic value.
Technical Specifications of the Boeing Model 367-80
Crew: 5
Length: 127 ft (38.7 m)
Wingspan: 129 ft (39.3 m)
Engines: 4 × Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines
Top Speed: Approximately 607 mph (977 km/h)
Role: Experimental jet transport prototype
While modest by today’s standards, these specifications were groundbreaking in the 1950s.
The Famous Barrel Roll
One of the most legendary moments in aviation history occurred during a 1955 flight demonstration over Lake Washington. Boeing test pilot Tex Johnston performed a barrel roll in the Dash 80—twice.
This daring maneuver stunned spectators and executives alike, proving the aircraft’s strength, controllability, and aerodynamic stability. Today, the barrel roll remains a symbol of Boeing’s engineering confidence and innovation.
From Prototype to Aviation Legacy
Although only one Model 367-80 was ever built, its DNA lives on in countless aircraft:
Boeing 707 – ushered in the era of mass jet travel
KC-135 Stratotanker – cornerstone of U.S. Air Force operations
Influenced later designs like the Boeing 727, 737, and 747
The Dash 80 didn’t just test technology—it tested Boeing’s vision for the future.
Where Is the Boeing Model 367-80 Today?
The sole surviving Boeing Model 367-80 is preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. It stands as a testament to innovation, risk-taking, and the dawn of the jet age.
Conclusion
The Boeing Model 367-80 was more than just a prototype—it was a turning point in aviation history. By proving that jet-powered transport aircraft were practical and reliable, the Dash 80 changed how the world flies. Its legacy continues to soar every time a modern jet takes to the skies.
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