![]() The project was enabled by the Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojet engine, the civilian version of the J57 that yielded much more power than the previous generation of jet engines and was proving itself with the B-52. The marketing personnel at Boeing chose 707 because they thought it was more appealing than 700. The 400-, 500- and 600-series were already used by their missiles and other products, so Boeing decided that the jets would bear 700-series numbers, and the first would be the 707. Īs the first of a new generation of American passenger jets, Boeing wanted the aircraft's model number to emphasize the difference from its previous propeller-driven aircraft, which bore 300-series numbers. The KC-97 was not ideally suited for operations with the USAF's new fleets of jet-powered fighters and bombers this was where Boeing's new design would win military orders. Aerial refueling was becoming a standard technique for military aircraft, with over 800 KC-97 Stratofreighters on order. During 19, Boeing embarked on studies for a new jet transport and saw advantages with a design aimed at both military and civilian markets. That venture had netted the company a $15 million loss. As Douglas and Lockheed dominated the postwar air transport boom, the demand for Boeing's offering, the 377 Stratocruiser, quickly faded with only 56 examples sold and no new orders as the 1940s drew to a close. The company had produced innovative and important bombers, from the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-29 Superfortress, to the jet-powered B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress, but its commercial aircraft were not as successful as those from Douglas Aircraft and other competitors. ![]() Main article: Boeing 367-80 The 707 was based on the 367-80 "Dash 80" The six-abreast cabinĭuring and after World War II, Boeing was known for its military aircraft. In total, 865 Boeing 707s were produced and delivered, not including 154 Boeing 720s.ĭevelopment Model 367-80 origins Military derivatives include the E-3 Sentry airborne reconnaissance aircraft and the C-137 Stratoliner VIP transport. The 707-320C convertible passenger-freighter model entered service in 1963, and passenger 707s have been converted to freighter configurations. The 707-120B typically flew 137 passengers in two classes over 3,600 nautical miles (6,700 km 4,100 mi), and could accommodate 174 in one class. Powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofans, the 707-120B debuted in 1961 and the 707-320B in 1962. The 720, a lighter, short-range variant, was also introduced in 1960. Powered by Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojets, the 707-320 entered service in 1959, and the 707-420 with Rolls-Royce Conway turbofans in 1960. The longer-range, heavier 707-300/400 series has larger wings and is stretched slightly by 8 feet (2.4 m). The shortened, long-range 707-138 and the more powerful 707-220 entered service in 1959. ![]() ![]() The initial, 145-foot-long (44 m) 707-120 was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojet engines. It established Boeing as a dominant airliner manufacturer with its 7x7 series. It dominated passenger air transport in the 1960s, and remained common through the 1970s, on domestic, transcontinental, and transatlantic flights, as well as cargo and military applications. Its larger fuselage cross-section allowed six-abreast economy seating, retained in the later 720, 727, 737, and 757 models.Īlthough it was not the first commercial jetliner in service, the 707 was the first to be widespread, and is often credited with beginning the Jet Age. With versions produced until 1979, the 707 was a swept wing, quadjet with podded engines. Pan Am began regular 707 service on October 26, 1958. The Boeing 707 is an American, long-range, narrow-body airliner, the first jetliner developed and produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.ĭeveloped from the Boeing 367-80 prototype first flown in 1954, the initial 707-120 first flew on December 20, 1957. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |