The Boeing 81 was a pioneering aircraft prototype that played a vital role in the evolution of modern commercial aviation. Developed in the early 1930s, Boeing 81 served as the experimental foundation for the legendary Boeing 247, one of the world’s first truly modern airliners. Though produced in limited numbers, the Boeing 81’s influence on aircraft design was enormous. Boeing 81 What Is the Boeing 81? The Boeing Model 81 was a twin-engine, all-metal monoplane prototype designed by the Boeing Airplane Company. It was created to test new aerodynamic concepts, advanced materials, and airline-focused design features that would soon define commercial air travel. Key Overview Manufacturer: Boeing Airplane Company Era: Early 1930s Aircraft Type: Twin-engine transport prototype Role: Development platform for Boeing 247 Boeing 81 Design Innovations The Boeing 81 introduced several revolutionary features that set it apart from earlier aircraft designs. All-Metal Monoplane Construction ...