Transcontinental & Western Air was the launch customer and ordered 5 Alpha 2D versions. These aircraft began services on April 20, 1931 from San Francisco to New York with 13 intermediate stops. The entire trip took just over 23 hours.
The Alpha had a multi cellular wing of stressed skin construction. New aerodynamic wing fillets and other cutting edge design features were installed on this aircraft. It was also first commercial type to be equipped with rubber deicer boots. A total of 17 Alphas were produced by Northrop.
TWA serial number 8, 1931
This photo shows the side entrance and forward passenger
compartment of the Alpha
Alpha 2D, NC947V with early Transcontinental & Western Air
markings on the fuselage.
A nice view of the Northrop Alpha 2D, NC11Y after restoration. For a complete history of this airplane please click this link.
Dimensions: Wingspan: 13.4 m (41 ft 10 in)
Length: 8.7 m (28 ft 5 in)Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Weight, gross: 2,043 kg (4,500 lb)
Weight, empty: 1,208 kg (2,660 lb)
Top speed: 272 km/h (170 mph)
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