Boeing 747SP

The Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) is a shortened‑wing variant of the iconic 747 family, developed by Boeing in the mid‑1970s to meet airline demand for long‑range, high‑capacity service without the need for larger hub airports. First rolled out in 1975 and certified in 1976, the SP entered commercial service with Pan Am in 1976 on the New York–Tokyo route, offering the longest nonstop capability of any passenger jet at the time. By reducing the fuselage length by 18 feet and decreasing wing span to 179 feet, the 747SP achieved a higher lift‑to‑drag ratio, allowing a maximum range of roughly 7,200 nautical miles while still carrying up to 380 passengers in a typical three‑class layout. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney JT9D‑7R4 or Rolls‑Royce RB211 engines, the aircraft featured advanced avionics, a larger vertical stabilizer, and reinforced landing gear for the added take‑off weight of long‑haul missions. Only 45 units were built, but the SP set a benchmark for ultra‑long‑range operations, influencing later designs such as the 747‑400 and the Airbus A340. Its legacy endures in modern ultra‑long‑haul airliners that prioritize range, efficiency, and passenger comfort.

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