The Aircraft

The first aircraft in our collection is a DC-7B (N836D) serial number 45345/928, originally delivered to Eastern Airlines in January 1958. Operated by EAL and several flying clubs for less than 10 years before being parked at the St. Paul, MN airport.

The airplane was made ready to ferry during May-August of 2004. With an overnight stop in Atlanta, it arrived in Miami to begin the restoration process. The original interior and hat racks were removed, and placed into long-term storage. They will be available for re-installation come the day the airplane is put on permanent static display. Over 65% of the original aluminum skin, outer wing panels, engines, have been repaired or replaced. A full paint scheme and new interior was completed for the first official Open House in December, of 2008. The airplane has now (March 22, 2010) received the necessary FAA exemption to begin carrying passengers for compensation. This is a wonderful program initiated by the FAA to allow historically significant aircraft to raise funds for its own preservation.

Historical and Statistical Information:

First Flight:	May 18, 1953
Number Built:	105 DC-7B's were built for commercial use
Length:	108 feet - 11 inches
Wing Span:	117 feet - 6 inches
Height:	28 feet - 7 inches
Max Take0off Weight:	114,600 - 122,000 lbs.
Max Landing Weight:	95,000 - 97,000 lbs.
Dry Weight:	58,150 lbs.
Max Cruising Speed:	405 mph - 352 kts
Normal Cruising Speed:	359 mph - 312 kts
Approach Speed:	144 mph - 125 kts
Landing Speed:	132 mph - 115 kts
Stall Speed:	97 mph - 84 kts
Service Ceiling:	28,400 feet
Fuel Capacity:	4,512 US Gallons
Range:	5,164 miles w/ maximum fuel payload 3,565 miles w/maximum weight payload
Fuel Type:	115 / 145 Octane
Fuel Consumption:	313 gph - 4 engine flight plan burn w/max fuel 456 gph - 4 engine flight plan burn w/ max load
Crew:	3 Pilots / 2 Flight Attendants
Seating:	64 to 95 Passengers (HFF will operate with 58 seats)

Engine Specs: Wright R-3350 - 30W

Type:	18 Cylinder Air Cooled Radial
Diameter:	61.2 Inches
Length:	89.53 Inches
Bore:	6.125 Inches
Stroke:	6.312 Inches
Displacement:	3,350 Cubic Inches
Compression Ratio:	6.7 to 1
Dry Weight:	3,514 lbs.
Ignition:	Scintilla DLN-9
Fuel Grade:	115 / 145 Octane
Carburation:	Stromberg PR-58T1
Performance:	Take off power - 3,250 hp @ 2,900 rpm Normal Power - 2,600 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Remarks:	The R3350-30W is a compound version of the R3350-26W using 3 small turbines driven by exhaust gas and connected by fluid couplings to the crankshaft. This increases the take-off power to 3,250 HP.