NB-2

The Boeing NB‑2 was a modest‑sized, twin‑engine utility aircraft that entered service in the early 1930s, during a period when the company was expanding beyond its famed military bombers and pioneering commercial airliners. Developed originally as a corporate transport and mail‑carrier prototype, the NB‑2 first flew on 12 March 1932 from the company's Seattle plant. Its design borrowed heavily from the earlier Model 40, but incorporated a more streamlined fuselage, a low‑wing layout, and retractable landing gear—features that were still uncommon for civilian aircraft of the era.

Key specifications included a 600‑hp Wright Cyclone radial engine on each wing, a maximum speed of 205 mph, and a range of roughly 900 miles, allowing it to serve remote routes across the American Northwest. The cabin could accommodate up to six passengers or equivalent cargo, and the aircraft featured a reinforced floor and easy‑access doors, making it popular with regional airlines and government survey units.

Although only 48 NB‑2s were built before production shifted to larger transport models, the type proved influential. Its aerodynamic refinements and dual‑engine reliability set a precedent for subsequent Boeing twin‑engine designs, and its successful operation in harsh weather conditions helped cement Boeing’s reputation for rugged, versatile aircraft that could meet both commercial and governmental needs.