Far bigger than anything before it, the 747 slashed operating costs per seat and thus cut the cost of long haul international airline travel. Boeing conceived the 747 in the mid 1960s following its failure to secure a US Air Force contract for an ultra large strategic transport (which resulted in the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy), when it identified a market for a high capacity 'jumbo jet'. Boeing was able to draw upon design experience with the USAF transport and launched the new airliner on July 25 1966. First flight occurred on February 9 1969, certification was awarded on December 30 that year. The basic 747-100 entered service with Pan American in January 1970. Progressive development of the 747 led to the 747-200B with higher weights, more powerful engines and longer range. The -200B first flew in October 1970 entering service with KLM, while nine higher weight 747-100Bs were built. Developments include the 747-200F freighter, the SR (short range) optimised for high cycle short sector operations and the C (Combi). The 747 holds a place in the public eye unlike any other aircraft. The so called `Queen of the Skies' opened up international travel to millions. It is also notable for being the first widebody airliner, the largest and heaviest airliner, and the first to use fuel efficient, high bypass turbofans.

Powerplants

747-100 - Four 208.9kN (46,950lb) Pratt & Whitney JT9D7A turbofans or 215.1kN (48,000lb) JT9D7Fs or 206.8kN (46,500lb) General Electric CF645A2s. 747-200B - Four 243.5kN (54,750lb) JT9D7R4G2s, or four 233.5kN (52,500lb) CF650E2s, or 236.2kN (53,110lb) RollsRoyce RB211524D4s.

Performance

747-100 - Max speed 967km/h (522kt), economical cruising speed 907km/h (490kt). Range with 385 pax and reserves 9045km (4880nm). 747-200B - Max speed 981km/h (530kt) (with RR engines), economical cruising speed 907km/h (490kt). Range (CF6-80C2 engines) with 366 pax and reserves 12,778km (6900nm). 747-200F - Range with 90,270kg (200,000lb) payload 9075km (4900nm) with CF680C2s.

Weights

747-100 - Empty 162,386kg (358,000lb), max takeoff 340,195kg (750,000lb). 747-200 - Operating empty with JT9Ds 169,960kg (374,400lb), with CF680C2s 172,730kg (380,800lb), with RB211s 174,000kg (383,600lb). Max takeoff 377,840kg (833,000lb). 747-100SR - Operating empty 162,430kg (358,100lb), max takeoff 272,155kg (600,000lb). 747-200F - Operating empty with JT9Ds 155,220kg (342,200lb), max takeoff 377,840kg (833,000lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 59.64m (195ft 8in), length 70.66m (231ft 10in), height 19.33m (63ft 5in). Wing area 511m2 (5500sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of three (two pilots and flight engineer). Seating arrangements include 397 in three classes, 452 in two classes (32 first & 420 economy), all economy seating for 447 nine abreast or up to 500 ten abreast. 747-200F - Max payload of 112,400kg (247,800lb) consisting of containers, pallets and/or igloos.

Production

747-100/200 in production to 1991. 167 100s, 9 100Bs, 29 -100SR, 224 200Bs, 13 200Cs, 69 200Fs and 77 200Ms built, plus 12 military aircraft. Approx 144 100s and 360 200s in service in late 1998.