Boeing 707-420

The Boeing 707‑420, a stretched variant of the original 707, entered service in the early 1960s and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the jet age. Developed by Boeing in the United States, the 707‑420 featured a lengthened fuselage that added 2.7 meters (9 feet) of cabin space, allowing for up to 189 passengers in a typical two‑class configuration. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT3D low‑bypass turbofan engines, the aircraft offered a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.84 and a range of roughly 5,750 nautical miles, enabling nonstop trans‑Atlantic and certain trans‑Pacific routes. Its improved fuel efficiency and quieter operation compared to earlier turbo‑jet models helped airlines transition to modern, long‑haul fleets. The 707‑420 played a pivotal role in expanding international air travel, serving carriers such as Pan Am, British European Airways, and TWA. It also proved adaptable for military use, with variants converted into aerial refueling tankers and reconnaissance platforms. The model’s commercial success demonstrated the viability of large, jet‑powered airliners and set the stage for subsequent Boeing classics like the 747 and 767, cementing its legacy in aviation history.

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