The 299 had made a lasting
impression on the evaluation team and in January,
1936 a contract was awarded for 13 aircraft (one static
for tests and 12 flying machines) worth US $ 3.824 million,
thus saving Boeing's financial bacon. The 299
had cost, including insurance after the loss, U.S.$
500,000. These 13 aircraft were given the designation
YB17. These YB17s were externally very similar to the
299 but under the skin they featured many changes.
The major change was the fitting of more powerful engines,
1000 hp Wright R-1820-39 Cyclone nine cylinder
single row radial engines. Flying the Boeing flag,
goodwill missions were flown to Argentina and Brazil,
breaking all existing records.