Boeing
Boeing FB-3
The Boeing FB‑3, introduced in the early 1960s, was Boeing’s first dedicated long‑range, twin‑engine business jet, marking a pivotal shift from the company’s earlier focus on commercial airliners and military platforms. Development began in 1958 under the codename “Project Falcon,” aiming to capture a burgeoning market for corporate air travel that demanded higher speed, range, and cabin comfort. First flight occurred on 14 March 1962, and the aircraft entered service the following year, quickly gaining favor with multinational firms and government agencies.
Key features of the FB‑3 included a swept‑wing design with a 34‑degree leading‑edge angle, two Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines delivering 15,300 lbf of thrust each, and a pressurized fuselage capable of cruising at 41,000 feet. The spacious cabin accommodated up to twelve passengers, provided a noise‑suppressed environment, and incorporated advanced avionics such as an early digital flight management system. Its fuel efficiency and 4,500‑nautical‑mile range set new standards for business aviation.
The FB‑3’s significance lies in its role as a technological bridge, introducing aerodynamic and system innovations later refined in the Boeing 727 and 737 families. Its commercial success validated Boeing’s diversification into the business‑jet sector and influenced global corporate travel practices for decades.
Key features of the FB‑3 included a swept‑wing design with a 34‑degree leading‑edge angle, two Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofan engines delivering 15,300 lbf of thrust each, and a pressurized fuselage capable of cruising at 41,000 feet. The spacious cabin accommodated up to twelve passengers, provided a noise‑suppressed environment, and incorporated advanced avionics such as an early digital flight management system. Its fuel efficiency and 4,500‑nautical‑mile range set new standards for business aviation.
The FB‑3’s significance lies in its role as a technological bridge, introducing aerodynamic and system innovations later refined in the Boeing 727 and 737 families. Its commercial success validated Boeing’s diversification into the business‑jet sector and influenced global corporate travel practices for decades.