This is tie breaker #1 for jeaton, intruder38 and Blackwolf3945 ONLY.
This aircraft dated back to the 1930s, as a commercial venture for the production of a flying-boat capable of transatlantic passenger flights with a high degree of safety, comfort, and speed.1 Six aircraft were ordered, the first of which made initial sea runs in May,1938, and took to the air in June, 1938. When it made its appearance this flying-boat was the largest civil aircraft in service. It outstripped all rivals in size, and the first batch cost $550,000 per aircraft. At first, there were problems with the single vertical stabilizer, which resulted in inadequate directional control. In the spacious fuselage there was ample room for 74 daytime passengers, or for 40 passengers in reclining seats for long night-flights. The career of this aircraft, five of which were purchased by the military, was also a lengthy one. Apart from three which were destroyed between 1943 and 1947, the others remained in civilian service. With the progress made in developing long-range landplanes during WW II, the last one was retired in 1946. They were then used by various small charter companies and not withdrawn from service until 1950.
Name this aircraft. Answer by PM only. Do not answer " Was It " or with a question mark. No changing of an answer after your original submission. Any answer submitted after 1200 hrs E.S.T on the day the answer will post will not count. Answer will post on 08/15/07 at 1200 hrs E.D.T.
Brian [C):-)]