Boeing Model 40H-4

The Boeing Model 40H‑4 was a Canadian‑built variant of the pioneering Model 40 series that first flew in the 1920s. Developed by Boeing Canada in Vancouver, the H‑4 entered production in 1929 to meet the growing demand for reliable mail‑and‑passenger transport across the vast expanses of the British Commonwealth. Retaining the classic biplane layout, the aircraft featured a robust welded‑steel fuselage, wooden wings covered in fabric, and an upgraded Wright Whirlwind J‑5 radial engine delivering 220 hp. The H‑4’s enlarged cargo bay allowed for a payload of up to 1,200 lb of mail while accommodating two passengers in an enclosed cabin, a notable comfort improvement over earlier open‑cockpit designs. Its fixed split‑type landing gear and dual‑ignition system enhanced safety on remote airfields. The Model 40H‑4 proved instrumental in establishing the first regular airmail routes between Vancouver, Calgary and the prairie provinces, and it demonstrated the feasibility of commercial air service in harsh northern climates. Though only a handful were built before being superseded by more powerful monoplanes, the 40H‑4’s blend of durability, versatility, and Canadian manufacturing expertise left a lasting imprint on early North‑American aviation.