The Boeing 247 was an early American airliner that incorporated many advanced features for its time, including all-metal construction, retractable landing gear, and a de-icing system for the wings and tail. It was one of the first airplanes to be faster than the fastest fighter aircraft of its day.

Despite its innovative design, the 247 had some drawbacks. It had a limited passenger capacity of only 10 people, and the wing spar ran through the middle of the cabin, which was inconvenient for passengers. As a result, the Boeing 247 was not a commercial success.

However, the 247 did play a significant role in aviation history. It proved the concept of a modern airliner and helped to pave the way for the development of more successful aircraft, such as the Douglas DC-3. The 247 also saw service in World War II as a transport and trainer aircraft.