Calendar

We invite you to discover the fascinating history of aviation through our interactive calendar.

8 July

1947

79 years ago

Maiden Flight of the Stratocruiser

The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser passenger aircraft made its maiden flight. The aircraft had a pressurised cabin, two decks, and was powered by four 28-cylinder radial engines with a total power of 14,000 HP.

8 July

1948

78 years ago

Maiden Flight of the Il-28

The Soviet twin-engine jet bomber Il-28 made its maiden flight. Aircraft of this type entered service in 22 countries and were used in Poland between 1952 and 1979. Eight Il-28s survive in Polish museums today. The Polish Aviation Museum has two – a reconnaissance Il-28R and a training Il-28U.