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Boeing Model 1 (B&W)

Pacific Aero Products · Pioneer Floatplane · USA · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)

Boeing Model 1 (B&W) — Pioneer Floatplane
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The Boeing Model 1 (also B&W for Boeing & Westervelt) was the first aircraft built by William Boeing's company — the foundational aircraft of what would become Boeing Commercial Airplanes + Boeing Defense. William Boeing + Lieutenant George Conrad Westervelt designed the Model 1 in 1915-1916; the prototype first flew on 15 June 1916. Only 2 Boeing Model 1 airframes were built. The aircraft was a single-engine biplane floatplane that was specifically designed to demonstrate Boeing's aircraft-manufacturing role + secure U.S. Navy or commercial aircraft contracts.

The Model 1 used a Hall-Scott A-5 6-cylinder inline engine (125 hp). Maximum speed 122 km/h, range 320 km, service ceiling 2,440 m. Capacity: 2 (pilot + observer in tandem open cockpits). The aircraft was a conventional twin-float biplane similar in configuration to contemporary Curtiss naval aircraft. Boeing's engineering design (William Boeing personally + George Westervelt as Naval engineer) closely matched the Curtiss seaplane standard of the period.

Boeing Model 1 service was limited — the U.S. Navy declined to purchase the type + Boeing sold the 2 airframes to the New Zealand Flying School in 1918 for ~$5,000. The Model 1's commercial failure could have ended Boeing's aviation business; instead, William Boeing successfully secured a U.S. Army Signal Corps contract for the Boeing Model C trainer in 1917 — establishing the Boeing Aircraft Company's commercial viability + leading to subsequent military + commercial aircraft contracts. The Boeing Model 1 is the historical foundation of Boeing's aviation industry — the company later named after the aircraft (and William Boeing) became the world's largest aerospace manufacturer.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Boeing Model 1 was the first airplane built by William Boeing's company. The plane is also called the B and W after Boeing and his partner George Westervelt. Only 2 Boeing Model 1s were built in 1916. The plane was a single-engine biplane floatplane.

The Boeing Model 1 is 27 feet long with a 52-foot wingspan, longer than a school bus. One Hall-Scott engine made 125 horsepower. Top speed is 76 mph, faster than most cars on a highway in 1916. The plane could carry 2 people in tandem cockpits and stay airborne for over 2 hours.

William Boeing and George Westervelt designed the Model 1 to win American Navy contracts. The Navy declined to buy the plane, so Boeing sold the 2 planes to New Zealand. The Model 1 was used as a trainer at the New Zealand Flying School. Today only photos and replicas remain.

The Boeing Model 1 was the start of Boeing, today one of the world's biggest plane makers. Over 100 years later, Boeing builds 737 airliners, 747 jumbo jets, 787 Dreamliners, and the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The B and W started everything. A full-size replica is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Fun Facts

  • The Boeing Model 1 was the first airplane built by William Boeing.
  • Only 2 Boeing Model 1s were built in 1916.
  • The plane is also called the B and W (Boeing and Westervelt).
  • The Model 1 is 27 feet long with a 52-foot wingspan, longer than a school bus.
  • Top speed is 76 mph, faster than most cars on a highway in 1916.
  • Both planes were sold to New Zealand after the American Navy declined.
  • A full-size replica is on display at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Kids’ Questions

Who was William Boeing?

William Boeing was a wealthy timber merchant from Seattle who became interested in airplanes around 1910. In 1916, he founded Pacific Aero Products (renamed Boeing Airplane Company in 1917). Boeing wanted his company to build planes for the American Navy. The Navy did not buy the Model 1, but Boeing kept trying. By WWII, Boeing was making B-17 and B-29 bombers; by 2026, Boeing is one of the world's biggest plane companies.

Why did New Zealand buy them?

In 1918, the American Navy turned down the Boeing Model 1. New Zealand was starting a flying school to train pilots for the British Royal Flying Corps. New Zealand bought the 2 Model 1s as trainers. The planes worked well in New Zealand, training many WWI pilots. After WWI, the Model 1s were retired and eventually scrapped.

Why a floatplane?

Seattle has a lot of water but few airfields. Boeing built the Model 1 as a floatplane so it could take off and land on Lake Union in Seattle. Floatplanes were common in 1916 because airports were rare. William Boeing himself was photographed in the Model 1 cockpit, helping to promote his new company.

Variants

Model 1 / B&W (sole production)
2 airframes built 1916.

Notable Operators

Boeing Aircraft Company (1916-1918)
Test programme + demonstration. Later sold.
New Zealand Flying School (1918-1924)
Bought 2 airframes for $5,000 in 1918. Used as trainers through 1924.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Boeing Model 1 historically important?

Foundational aircraft of what became Boeing Commercial Airplanes + Boeing Defense. William Boeing + George Westervelt's 1916 design + 1916 prototype flight established Boeing's aviation business. Although the Model 1 itself was a commercial failure (only 2 built, both sold to New Zealand), William Boeing's continuing engineering investment + 1917 Boeing Model C military contract success secured the company's long-term viability. The Boeing Model 1 is the lineal ancestor of every Boeing aircraft from the B-17 Flying Fortress through the 737 + 747 + 777 + 787 to the modern fleet.

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