The Boeing 707 is often cited as the aircraft type that made commercial jet aviation so popular around the world. Its long range allowed airlines to operate the type on long routes, such as transatlantic and transpacific services. Production of the Boeing 707 began in 1956 and ended in 1978, and multiple variants were produced during this time to suit the needs of different airlines and markets.

Boeing 707-120

The Boeing 707-120 was the first variant to be produced by Boeing and could seat up to 189 passengers. Although it was not the most popular aircraft to be sold in the Boeing 707 series, it was still quite a successful model because the technology that Boeing developed from this program was relatively advanced. Several airlines, such as Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and American Airlines, operated this aircraft on transatlantic routes, but its short range meant that a stop was often required. Its maximum take-off weight was 247,000 lb (112,000 kg).

The Boeing 707-138 was a variant of the -120 but with a shorter fuselage. "38" was the customer code for Qantas, which meant that all Boeing aircraft produced for Qantas bore the number "38" in its registration. This aircraft was used on transpacific routes, often with a stop in Fiji.

707-220

Braniff International Airways placed an order for the -220 with higher-thrust Pratt & Whitney JT4A engines. This model was designed for hot and high operations. Only five units were produced in total.

Boeing 707-320

The Boeing 707-320 was the intercontinental, stretched version of the -120. Its extended range was enabled by longer wings, which stored more fuel. Similar to the original -120, it also seated 189 passengers in a two class configuration. Its maximum take-off weight was also increased to 302,000 lb to allow airlines to operate it on transoceanic services.

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Boeing 707-320B

The Boeing 707-320B was a variant of the -320. Notable modifications included adding a second inboard kink on the wings, as well as using curved low-drag wingtips instead of the earlier blunt ones. These changes improved the aerodynamics of the aircraft and increased the maximum take-off weight to 328,000 lb.

These adjustments made this aircraft popular among American carriers, such as Pan Am (85 aircraft) and American Airlines (10 aircraft). Altogether, Boeing produced 174 707-320B aircraft, making it the second most popular variant ever produced.

Boeing 707-320C

The Boeing 707-320C was the most popular of all the variants, with 337 produced by Boeing. This was because it had a convertible passenger-freight configuration, which enabled airlines to operate the type of many routes. In addition, airlines hoped that the versatility of the aircraft would allow them to sell the aircraft for more. As a result, many airlines operated this aircraft, such as Northwest Airlines (30 aircraft), Pan Am (34 aircraft), American Airlines (34 aircraft) and more.

707-420

The 707-420 was the same as the aforementioned -320. However, it came with Rolls-Royce Conway engines. Customers include BOAC and its subsidiaries, El AL, Varig, Lufthansa, Cunard, and Air India

Boeing 707-020 (Boeing 720)

The Boeing 720 was a shorter version of the standard Boeing 707-020 and was produced to suit the needs of airlines that needed to fly to airports with shorter runways. The fuselage was shortened by 9 feet, which lowered the maximum takeoff weight and the maximum passenger capacity. In total, 154 Boeing 707-020s were produced, and this aircraft was then succeeded by the Boeing 727 program, which aimed to provide airlines with lower capacity aircraft.

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Looking back

Pan Am was the most prolific operator of the 707, with 133 units operated. TWA was the second-largest customer of the type. It flew 128 units, including 41 707-320Bs and 18 707-320Cs.

The Boeing 707 was a revolutionary aircraft because it propelled the aviation industry into the jet age, where jet aircraft replaced turboprop aircraft, and longer routes became achievable. Boeing consistently came up with updated versions to fit the needs of its customers and the industry, which is why so many variants were produced.

Overall, the 707 kicked off a new era in Boeing's journey and helped the manufacturer become synonymous with the advent of commercial jet aviation. These aircraft would evolve for the company to offer a complete arsenal of jetliners.

A total of 865 707s were built during its production run, not including the aforementioned 720s. Notably, October 26th will mark 65 years since the type was first introduced with Pan Am.

Boeing shared the following about the 707's impact following its introduction:

"Although Pan Am and the 707 was not the first airline-jetliner combination, it was the most successful in this era. Two highly respected companies—Boeing and Pan Am, with their reputations and strong brands— helped build confidence and excitement for the future of commercial jet travel,

"After the inaugural flight, Pan American began a period of almost unrivaled success in international air travel. For Boeing, it was the beginning of a highly successful business in designing and building the world’s finest commercial jet."

Thus, despite first flying over six decades ago, the aircraft's legacy is still felt today. After all, it is this plane that gave way to the likes of the 727, 737, and 757.

What are your thoughts about the Boeing 707? What do you make of the aircraft's variants throughout the years? Let us know what you think of the plane and its history in the comment section.

Source: Boeing