NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
Overview:
The Martin M-130 entered commercial service in 1936 with the Boeing 314 following in 1939. Pan American Airlines christened them "Clippers." They departed San Francisco to destinations in Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Midway, and the Philippines. Later in 1939 the Boeing 314 entered trans-Atlantic service flying from the United States east coast out of N.Y to destinations in France and Portugal.
Development:
In 1931 Pan American Airways put out a request for large, luxurious trans-oceanic seaplanes.
In 1933 both Martin and Sikorsky had their proposals accepted by Pan American.
In July 1933, Pan Am selected the Martin M-130 for its trans-Pacific service.
The new aircraft were designated "Clippers," by Pan American Airways. They were named "China," "Hawaii," and "Philippines." The first commercial flights were made by the China Clipper and this was to become what the public perceived as all of these type airplanes.
In June of 1936, Pan Am requested even larger aircraft. Although Martin did produce somewhat larger models in response to the request by Pan Am, Boeing produced much larger ones.
On July 21, 1936 Pan Am ordered six Boeing B-314 aircraft for US$4.8 million, with an option for six more.
In April of 1937 a M-130 Clipper made the first scheduled flight to Hong Kong.
All three Martin M-130 Clippers eventually ended their careers in crashes.
On June 7, 1938 the Boeing 314 Clipper flew for the first time.
On October 1, 1939 Pan Am ordered six upgraded B-314A aircraft.
In 1951 the last of the Boeing 314 Clippers retired from service.
Clipper Aviation Trivia:
December 6, 1935 - The Martin M-130 China Clipper completed the first Pacific airmail flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong. It took off on Nov. 22nd.
Nov. 4, 1936 - The Martin M-130 Hawaii Clipper landed in San Francisco after completing the first commercial scheduled service between the U.S. and the Philippines. It departed on Oct. 21st.
Feb. 23, 1939 - A B-314 flew from San Francisco to Hong Kong for the first time.
In 1942 Pan Am Clippers flew from the U.S. to Europe 1,219 times carrying over 1.5 million tons of cargo to support the Allied War effort.
Jan. 12, 1943 - A Pan American B-314 transported United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Allies Conference at Casablanca, Morocco.
Specifications
B-314
M-130
Primary Function
transport
transport
Crew
ten
five to eight
Engines
P & W R2600
P & W R1830
Power
4 x 1,600 ea.
4 x 950 ea.
Weight Empty
50,268 lbs.
25,124 lbs.
Max. Weight
82,500 lbs.
52,250 lbs.
Seats
74
46
Cargo
10,500 lbs.
n/a
Fuel
4,200 gals.
3,800 gals.
Length
106' 0"
90' 11"
Wingspan
152' 0"
130' 0"
Cruise Speed
188 mph
163 mph
Max. Speed
210 mph
180 mph
Climb Rate
565 fpm
n/a
Ceiling
19,600 feet
18,700 feet
Range
3,685 miles
3,200 miles
First Flight
6/7/38
12/30/34
Year Deployed
1939
1937
Boeing 314
Radio Control Airplane
M-130 RC Airplane built by Dan Dewey.
Radio Control Airplanes:
Jack Bale Plans were available for a 98" wing span Martin Clipper radio control airplane. Jack passed away a few years ago, and there are only a few copies of his RC Airplane plans still circulating. Jack's radio control airplanes plans can sometimes be found on eBay.
Bill Thorne of Oshawa On. Canada writes:
"You can find plans for the Martin 130 - China Clipper RC airplane at the AMA site plans section www.model aircraft.org plans.aspx. The Martin M-130 radio control airplane is listed under "China Clipper."
Specs for the M-130 RC airplane are - 74 inch, 4 ch, 3 sheets, 4- .10 cu. inch engines, plan No. 00426 Price - $28.00 E listing."
Pictured above is the M-130 China Clipper radio control scratch built by Dan Dewey. The RC Airplane has a wing span of 156” and weighs about 30 lbs. Dan powers his radio control airplane with four Hacker A50-12 motors.
The first picture below is of a Boeing 314 Clipper RC Airplane from Watt Flyer RC Forums. We do not have any information about the radio control airplane.
The second picture below is of the Boeing 314 Clipper RC Airplane featured in Model Aviation Focal Point, May 2008 issue. The radio control airplane was built by Tom Wolf from a three view drawing in a little over one year. We do not have any additional information about the RC Airplane.
The bottom picture on this page is of the Boeing 314 Clipper radio control airplane scratch built by David Plummer. Wing span of the RC Airplane is 90". David powers his radio control airplane with four Astro 035 motors geared 2.4:1 turning 10 x 6 propellers. All up weight of the RC Airplane is about 13 1/2 lbs.
If you have a favorite Clipper RC Airplane or know of more plans, a ARF or kit for either a Martin M-130 radio control airplane or a Boeing B-314 RC Airplane, please email us.
Boeing 314 RC Airplane built by Tom Wolf. 
RC Airplane built by David Plummer.