Howard Hughes' Stratoliner SB-307B On Ramp

Stratoliner SB-307B Cabin

Stratoliner SB-307B Bar

Stratoliner SB-307B Lavatory Entrance

Stratoliner SB-307B Forward Passenger Compartment

Stratoliner SB-307B Cutaway View

Stratoliner SB-307B Fuel Tanks

Restored PAA 307 Stratoliner Lavatory

Restored PAA 307 Stratoliner Galley

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Howard Hughes' Stratoliner SB-307B On Ramp

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In 1938 Howard Hughes approached Boeing about buying a 307 Stratocruiser for his attempt to break his own around-the-world flight record. Boeing told him that he had to wait until the company had fulfilled orders from TWA and Pan Am. Mr. Hughes did not want to wait, so he bought TWA and diverted their first airplane to his own use – that airplane became the one and only SB-307B, a modified Boeing 307 Stratoliner that included extra fuel tanks for the record flight. The onset of WWII prevented Hughes from making his record attempt. Following the War he had famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy remodel the plane into a luxurious personal transport. The cabin featured a kitchen and bar, sleeping quarters, and a powder room. Hughes rarely used the plane and it was eventually sold. SB-307B was severely damaged in a 1964 hurricane and scrapped. In 1969 the fuselage was recovered and made into a luxury houseboat.

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