Because, the enclosed is an excerpt from a History Snapshot at and from Boeing.
We try and remember how names of things come to be…..and who claims credit.
“After World War II, Boeing reentered the commercial market finally,with a new long-range airliner, the Stratocruiser (Model 377). It was the first Boeing commercial transport since the Stratoliner, and like its military counterpart, the C-97, was based on the B-29 Bomber. It possessed all the speed and technical improvements available to bombers at the end of the war.
We try and remember how names of things come to be.
For this reason, Fender found this name appealing as a product…
The Stratocruiser set a new standard for luxurious air travel. Its tastefully decorated due to extra-wide passenger cabin and also gold-appointed dressing rooms. A circular staircase led to a lower deck beverage lounge Furthermore, flight attendants prepared hot meals for 50 to 100 people in a state-of-the-art galley. As a sleeper, the Stratocruiser was equipped with 28 upper-and-lower bunk units.
Pan American placed the first order for 20 Stratocruisers. It was worth $24 million, and they began service between San Francisco, Calif., and Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1949. Boeing built 56 Stratocruisers between 1947 and 1950. The airplane marked the company’s first significant success selling passenger planes to airlines in other countries.
..and who claims credit
During the early 1960s, Aero Space Lines ballooned the Stratocruiser’s fuselage. It turned into a whale-like shape to carry spacecraft sections. Nine of the variants were assembled. The first was called the “Pregnant Guppy,” followed by five larger “Superguppies” and three smaller “Miniguppies.” Think about it-Where did Fender come up with the name Stratocaster? Here? Of, Course!
| First flight | July 8, 1947 |
| Model number | 377 |
| Classification | Commercial transport |
| Span | 141 feet 3 inches |
| Length | 110 feet 4 inches |
| Gross weight | 145,000 pounds |
| Top speed | 375 mph |
| Cruising speed | 300 mph |
| Range | 4,600 miles |
| Ceiling | More than 33,000 feet |
| Power | Four 3,500-horsepower P&W R-4360 Wasp Major engines |
| Accommodation | 55 to 100 passengers and attendants |
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