Boeing history chronology

PRE-1910 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010–
1953 Jan. 30: The Boeing B-47E jet bomber makes its first flight at Wichita, Kan. Its 18-unit jet-assisted takeoff system
has been replaced with 33 1,000-pound-thrust units.
May 18:
May 25:
May 29:
July 16:
Aug. 20:
Aug. 21:
Sept. 1:
Oct. 3:
Oct. 13:
Nov. 4:
December:
The Douglas DC-7 airliner makes its first flight. It is the largest and most efficient of the DC series yet
designed. Maximum speed is 400 mph, with a cruising speed of 375 mph.
North American’s YF-100A Super Sabre makes its first flight.
The first of 159 Boeing KC-97F model Stratotankers is delivered to the Air Force.
The North American F-86D Sabre beats its own speed record by flying 715.697 mph.
The first Redstone rocket, powered by an A-6 engine developed by the Rocketdyne group of North
American Aviation, is test launched from Cape Canaveral.
A new world’s altitude record of 83,235 feet is set by Marion Carl in the Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket.
A Boeing B-47 refuels another B-47. This is the first time a jet aircraft is used as a tanker.
Navy test pilot Jim Verdin takes off in a Douglas F4D Skyray from the Naval Air Station at El Centro, Calif.,
and breaks the world’s speed record, flying at 752.9 mph.
North American’s Navaho X-10 supersonic research vehicle makes its first flight.
The Douglas DC-7 begins service with American Airlines, allowing the company to offer coast-to-coast,
nonstop service.
The first tactical Douglas Nike-Ajax site becomes operational at Fort George Meade, near Washington, D.C.
Boeing history chronology
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