| abstract | - The Boeing 299 was the original bomber design made by Boeing to fulfill a request by the United States Army Air Corps for a bomber capable of carrying 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs 2,000 mi (3,218 km) at 200 mph (322 km/h). In 1935, the Boeing 299 competed with several entries by other companies at an evaluation at Wright Field. On its flight from Seattle to Wright Field for the competition, the 299 set a nonstop speed record of 252 mph (406 km/h). Though it crashed during the demonstration, the crash was due to pilot error, not any flaw in the airplane. Despite the crash (and more important, its much higher cost per unit), Air Corps leaders were impressed by the 299. Boeing was awarded with a development contract. The aircraft has been since been referred to as the XB-17 but the designation is not contemporary or official.
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