Summary The Boeing 737-130, the first ever built, revolutionized aviation. NASA acquired the first airframe it for research, contributed to fly-by-wire tech. Preserved at the Museum of Flight as a symbol of aviation innovation.
The Boeing 737, an aircraft synonymous with air travel, holds a remarkable place in aviation history. Among the many 737s that grace the skies, one particular aircraft stands out: the very first Boeing 737 ever built, bearing the tail number N515NA. According to This Day In Aviation , this pioneering jet, a Boeing 737 130, played a crucial role in developing the world's most popular commercial aircraft.
However, the journey was anything but ordinary. The birth of a legacy: The Boeing 737-130 In the early 1960s, Boeing recognized the need for a smaller, short-haul aircraft to complement its highly successful 707 and 727 models . The result was the Boeing 737, designed to cater to the burgeoning demand for short- and medium-range airliners.
Photo: TheAirchive The prototype, serial number 19437, rolled off the production line on December 17, 1966, and was registered as N515NA. This aircraft, designated as the Boeing 737-130, was the first of its kind, representing the dawn of a new era in aviation. The initial flight of N515NA took place on April 9, 1967.
Piloted by Boeing's Chief Test Pilot Brien Wygle, the flight began an extensive test program to certify the 737 for commercial service. The aircraft underwent rigorous testing over the next few months, i.