BOEING 707

1954’€“81

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The Boeing 707 prototype, first flown in 1954, was the initial U.S. jet transport, initially developed as the KC-135 military air-to-air refueling tanker before commercial versions were permitted in 1955.
  • The aircraft evolved through several versions, including the domestic 707-120 and the intercontinental 707-320, which featured increased fuselage length and more powerful turbofan engines.
  • Equipped with four Pratt & Whitney engines, the 707-320C could seat up to 219 passengers and achieve a cruise speed of 600 mph with a range of 7,475 miles.
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STANDARD DATA: 707-320C) Seats 219. Gross wt. 333,680. Empty wt. 146,000. Fuel capacity 23,855. Engines four 19,000-lb. s.t. Pratt & Whitneys.
PERFORMANCE: Top mph 627. Cruise mph 600. Stall mph 121. Initial climb rate 3,550. Range 7,475. Ceiling 38,500. Takeoff distance (35) 10,900. Landing distance (50′) 6,250.

The prototype of the Boeing 707 was the first jet transport to be completed and flown in the United States. Its first run was on July 15, 1954, and was known as the Model 36780. Under the designation of KC-135, it was used by the U.S. Air Force for air-to-air refueling. In 1955, the Air Force permitted Boeing to produce commercial versions of the transport. These became known as the 707 and 720. The 707-120 was the first production version and was primarily designed for domestic use, though capable of over-ocean operations. Power was provided by four 13,000-lb. s.t. turbojets. The 707-220 followed with its 15,800-lb. s.t. Pratt & Whitneys. The 707-320 was the first intercontinental version and featured increased fuselage length and was powered by either 15,800- or 16,800-lb. s.t. turbofans. Accommodations provided for 195 to 219 economy class passengers. The usual arrangement was 14 first-class seats with 133 coach seats.

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