Today in History

July 27, 1947

The de Havilland Comet

July 27, 1949 saw the inaugural flight of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner. Manufactured by British company de Havilland, the craft was a high point in early aeronautical design and was powered by four jet engines. Unfortunately, early models suffered from catastrophic metal fatigue, and a series of well-publicized accidents ensued, costing the design public and commercial confidence. The company withdrew the plane from production and it underwent a series of re-designs. In all, 114 were built and put into production.

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