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The 747SP is easily recognisable via its shortened almost stumpy looking fuselage, and lengthened tail. Seating around 100 less passengers, and with significantly reduced weights the SP had improved range and takeoff performance over the standard length 747. The greater range opened up a number of new non stop route opportunities, and both Pan Am and Qantas pioneered non stop trans-Pacific services between Sydney and Los Angeles with this aircraft. Pictured is a 747SP in the famous Braniff International bright orange colour scheme. (Boeing)
Profile – Boeing 747 Part II
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Boeing 747 Part II – The Family Grows
Seven thousand five hundred engineering drawings were used to produce the first Boeing 747. Six hundred 747s lined up nose to tail would span 42.3 km (26.3 miles). The 747 was the first triple deck commercial aircraft and the first since the Boeing Stratocruiser of the late 1940s with passenger accommodation on two decks. Each 747 contains 2000 pieces of tubing and, including fasteners, there are six million parts. Massive and powerful, but by nature friendly … a gentle giant.
By the time that the first 747s were entering service with Pan Am, Boeing had accumulated some 190 orders from 28 airlines. The initial version was designated Model 747-100, and it provided the means for airlines to carry more passengers with greater safety, speed and comfort at a lower cost than was possible with any previous airliner. Popularly called the “Jumbo”, it was this model which brought about widespread acceptance of large commercial aircraft by stimulating unprecedented passenger recognition and preference for a particular aeroplane. 167 were built.
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