Boeing 707

The history of the Boeing 707

Boeing's 707 product line proved to be a catalyst for their future commercial success. The 707 introduced a model design originally envisioned as a private enterprise, intended for military and commercial applications. To that end, the aircraft's design will drive the development of the successful 707 commercial transport family and the military platform on which multiple aircraft, notably the KC-135, have been equally successful.

The 707 also became the first successful long-haul passenger plane, spawning a long list of Boeing designs using the 7x7 name.

707 was originally designed as a private venture 367-80, sometimes referred to as "Dash 80". The 367-80 first flew in 1954 and was awarded a military contract that same year to develop the KC-135 - a model designed specifically for in-flight refueling of military fighter jets.

From there, the commercial market began using the system known as the 707, and Pan Am was the first to get an order. From there, the 707 will be used around the world as a passenger carrier, airborne early warning platform, cargo transport aircraft and airborne tanker.

Variants on the 707 platform included a variety of types, most notably differences in their Pratt & Whitney engines (later 707-420s used Rolls-Royce Conway-branded engines). The main brands in the series include 707-120/-120B, 707-220, 707-320/-320B and 707-320C.

The 720B appeared and was a variant of the 707 design, but offered a turbofan engine with higher speeds than the turbojet engine of the previous model design. Additionally, the 720 is designed with a shorter body and lighter construction for increased performance gains.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes