Test pilot "Tex" Johnston wowed more than just the spectators at the 1955 Seafair Gold Cup hydroplane race when he barrel-rolled Boeing's jet airliner prototype, the 367-80, over Lake Washington - he put the fledgling 707 programme firmly on the map. For AirSpace forum regular "Nick", this is aviation's "coolest moment". The remarkable event, on 7 August 1955, was photographed by Johnston's colleague Dix Loesch from the observer seat. The 707 evolved from the "Dash 80"and production went on until 1991 with over 1,000 sold.
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© Dix Loesch |
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Source: Flight International