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| STANDARD DATA: (727-200) Seats 163-189. Gross wt. 184,800. Empty wt. 99,398. Fuel capacity 8,186-10,666. Engines three 14,500-lb. s.t. Pratt & Whitney turbofans. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 632. Cruise mph 592. Stall mph 122. Initial climb rate 2,500. Range 1,670. Ceiling 33,000. Takeoff distance (35′) 9,340. Landing distance (50′) 4,690. |
The Boeing 727 was built with the intention of producing a short- to medium-range jet transport. It was flown for the first time in February 1963. A major innovation, compared with the company’s earlier designs, was the choice of a rear-engine layout. The 727 is powered by three Pratt & Whitney turbofans; one is mounted at the base of the T-tail assembly. In all other respects, the 727 resembles the 707 and 720 series. Not only are the upper fuselages identical, but many parts are interchangeable. The 727-200 is the stretched version and was announced in 1965. It had a maximum capacity of 189 passengers compared to the earlier model’s seating for 114. Optional turbofans rated at 15,000 lbs. s.t., 15,500 lbs. s.t., and 16,000 pounds s.t. can be installed. Since 1972, Hawker-de Havilland of Australia has been the sole supplier of rudders and main wing ribs for the 200 series.
Production of commercial 707s ended in 1978 after 878 had been built. Limited production of military variants continued until 1990. A number of 707 are still in service, many as freighters, some as corporate transport. The Boeing 707 is still very active in its various military roles.
