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One-of-a-kind airplane marks Boeing first
On this day in 1932, the Boeing Model 218 became the first Boeing airplane to take part in air-to-air combat.
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Above: The Boeing Model 218 in its original form. With its combination of both truss and semi-monocoque fuselage construction, this airplane served as the prototype for both the U.S. Army's P-12E and the U.S. Navy's F4B-3. Unique to this configuration of the Model 218 are the windshield and the early F4B/P-12 style vertical fin and rudder. (Boeing Archives photo)
Ninety years ago today, nearly a decade before U.S. direct involvement in World War II, an incident took place that resulted in the first air-to-air combat action of a Boeing-built airplane. While it may be little known today, the incident was widely reported when it happened in February 1932.
Boeing built just one Model 218, carrying civilian registration NX66W. It was a technology demonstrator of sorts, incorporating mixed construction techniques. The forward fuselage was of steel truss construction, while from the fuel tank aft, the fuselage featured stressed skin, semi-monocoque construction.
The Model 218 first flew Sept. 29, 1930, and on Nov. 20 it was sent to Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio, for evaluation by the U.S. Army Air Corps. It was then flown to Naval Air Station Anacostia near Washington, D.C., for evaluation by the U.S. Navy.
The Army Air Corps and Navy were sufficiently satisfied with the Model 218’s performance, leading both services to order production variants. The Army Air Corps ordered them as the P-12E and the Navy as the F4B-3, both of which went on to have long careers. Both services subsequently placed orders for updated versions of the planes.
Meanwhile, the Model 218 was flown back to Seattle, where it was modified before returning to Wright Field in June 1931 for further evaluation by the Army Air Corps.
Details regarding the Model 218 are sparse, but it is known that the plane was involved in a minor mishap in September 1931, repaired and then shipped to China aboard the SS President Jefferson in late October that year. It was received in Shanghai by L.E. Gale, a sales representative in China, and flown by Robert M. Short, a former U.S. Army Air Corps pilot.
Hostilities broke out between China and Imperial Japan on Jan. 28, 1932, in what became known as the “Shanghai Incident,” which lasted until March 3 that year. During the hostilities, Short was employed as a Chinese Air Force instructor as well as a demonstration pilot for the Model 218. On Feb. 19, while flying the armed Model 218 from Shanghai to Nanking, Short encountered three Japanese Type 3 fighters from the aircraft carrier Hosho. A dogfight ensued, with Short damaging one of the fighters.
Three days later, on Feb. 22, Short was again airborne in the Model 218, ferrying it from Nanking to Hangzhou. Short again encountered Type 3 fighters, six this time, inflicting some damage before he himself was shot down and killed near Suchow.
The incident was widely reported by the international press. Short was hailed as a hero for his efforts and posthumously awarded the honorary rank of Colonel in the Chinese Army. Tens of thousands reportedly lined the funeral route, and Short’s mother was invited to attend as well. A memorial was erected in Shanghai in Short’s honor.
By: Richard Dann
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