Boeing 747SP facts for kids
The Boeing 747SP is a special kind of jet airplane that can carry passengers. It's a version of the famous Boeing 747, but it's built for very long flights. The "SP" in its name stands for "Special Performance."
Compared to the regular 747, the 747SP has a shorter body. This means it can't carry as many passengers, but it can fly much longer distances without stopping. The first 747SP flew in 1975, and airlines started using it in 1976. Only 45 of these unique planes were built until 1987.
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What Makes the 747SP Special?
The Boeing 747SP was designed for airlines that wanted to fly very long routes, like non-stop flights across oceans. Because its body is shorter, the plane is lighter. This lighter weight, combined with powerful engines, allows it to fly further than other planes of its time.
Design Changes
To make the 747SP fly further, Boeing made some important changes:
- Its body was shortened by about 47 feet (14 meters) compared to the standard 747.
- It has a taller tail fin. This helps the plane stay stable during flight, especially with its shorter body.
- It has simpler wing flaps. These are parts of the wing that help the plane take off and land.
These changes helped the 747SP fly higher and faster on long trips.
History and Use
The idea for the 747SP came from airlines like Pan Am and Iran Air. They needed a plane that could fly very long distances without stopping, connecting cities that were far apart.
Who Used the 747SP?
Many airlines around the world used the 747SP for their longest routes. Some of these included:
- Pan Am
- Iran Air
- Qantas
- South African Airways
- China Airlines
Even though only 45 were built, the 747SP was important for opening up new non-stop flight paths around the globe.
Special Missions
Some 747SPs were used for very unique purposes, not just carrying passengers:
- SOFIA: One 747SP was turned into a special flying observatory called SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). It carried a large telescope to study space from high above the Earth.
- Engine Testbed: Another 747SP was used by engine companies like Pratt & Whitney to test new jet engines before they were put on other planes.
Today, only a few 747SPs are still flying, mostly for special purposes or for private use by governments.
Images for kids
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Iran Air 747SP from above, 47 feet shorter than the 747, with four exit doors per side
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The last 747SP, built in 1987 for Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight
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The 747SP used as the NASA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
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Pratt & Whitney engine testbed testing the PW1000G engine
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747-100 top view, cross-section, front view, 747 side views: 747SP, -100, -400, -8I, and LCF
See also
In Spanish: Boeing 747SP para niños
