Boeing Model 42

Model 42
Role	observation
National origin	United States
Manufacturer	Boeing
First flight	6 February 1925[1]
Number built	3
Developed from	Airco DH-4M-1

The Boeing Model 42 (also Boeing XCO-7 for Experimental Corps Observation Model 7) was an American biplane aircraft developed from the Airco DH.4, taking advantage of the large amount of aircraft left over after the end of World War I.

Development and design

The Model 42 was essentially an Airco DH-4M-1 fitted with new Boeing tailplanes, tapered wings, and tripod landing gear. The first aircraft built, designated XCO-7, was used as a static test bed, and did not fly. The second aircraft, XCO-7A, used a standard DH-4M-1 fuselage and Liberty engine, with the Boeing modifications. The final aircraft, XCO-7B, added balanced elevators and inverted the Liberty engine. Both flyable aircraft were shipped to McCook Field, where the first flight occurred on 6 February 1925.^[1]

The performance of the new aircraft did not justify the cost of the conversion, and Boeing abandoned the project.^[2]

Specifications (XCO-7A)

Data from Bowers, 1966. pg. 60.

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 29 ft 2 in ( m)
• Wingspan: 45 ft in ( m)
• Height: 10 ft 8 in ( m)
• Wing area: 440 ft² ( m²)
• Empty weight: 3,107 lb ( kg)
• Gross weight: 4,665 lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Liberty L-12A, 420 hp ( kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 112 mph ( km/h)
• Cruise speed: 110 mph ( km/h)
• Range: 420 miles ( km)
• Service ceiling: 13,050 ft ( m)

Armament

• 4x 0.30 cal machine guns

References

1. Bowers, 1966. pg. 60.
2. Bowers, 1966. pg. 59.

• Bowers, Peter M. Boeing aircraft since 1916. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1966.