Boeing 747-200

While the 747-100 powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A engines offered enough payload and range for US domestic operations, it was marginal for long international route sectors. The demand for longer range aircraft with increased payload quickly led to the improved −200, which featured more powerful engines, increased MTOW, and greater range than the −100. A few early −200s retained the three-window configuration of the −100 on the upper deck, but most were built with a ten-window configuration on each side. The 747-200 was produced in passenger (−200B), freighter (−200F), convertible (−200C), and combi (−200M) versions. The 747-200B was the basic passenger version, with increased fuel capacity and more powerful engines; it entered service in February 1971. In its first three years of production, the −200 was equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 engines (initially the only engine available). Range with a full passenger load started at over 5,000 nmi (9,300 km) and increased to 6,000 nmi (11,000 km) with later engines. Most −200Bs had an internally stretched upper deck, allowing for up to 16 passenger seats. The freighter model, the 747-200F, could be fitted with or without a side cargo door, and had a capacity of 105 tons (95.3 tonnes) and an MTOW of up to 833,000 lb (378,000 kg). It entered service in 1972 with Lufthansa. The convertible version, the 747-200C, could be converted between a passenger and a freighter or used in mixed configurations, and featured removable seats and a nose cargo door. The −200C could also be fitted with an optional side cargo door on the main deck. Side view of quadjet landing against a mountain backdrop. Transaero 747-200B on final approach at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport in 2006 The combi model, the 747-200M, could carry freight in the rear section of the main deck via a side cargo door. A removable partition on the main deck separated the cargo area at the rear from the passengers at the front. The −200M could carry up to 238 passengers in a three-class configuration with cargo carried on the main deck. The model was also known as the 747-200 Combi.[76] As on the −100, a stretched upper deck (SUD) modification was later offered. A total of 10 converted 747-200s were operated by KLM. Union des Transports Aériens (UTA) also had two of these aircraft converted. After launching the −200 with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 engines, on August 1, 1972 Boeing announced that it had reached an agreement with General Electric to certify the 747 with CF6-50 series engines to increase the aircraft's market potential. Rolls-Royce followed 747 engine production with a launch order from British Airways for four aircraft. The option of RB211-524B engines was announced on June 17, 1975. The −200 was the first 747 to provide a choice of powerplant from the three major engine manufacturers. A total of 393 of the 747-200 versions had been built when production ended in 1991.[133] Of these, 225 were −200s, 73 were −200F, 13 were −200C, 78 were −200M, and 4 were military.[134] Many 747-200s remain in operation, although most large carriers have retired them from their fleets and sold them to smaller operators. Large carriers have sped up fleet retirement following the September 11 attacks and the subsequent drop in demand for air travel, scrapping some or turning others into freighters.

Powerplants

747-100 - Four 208.9kN (46,950lb) Pratt & Whitney JT9D7A turbofans or 215.1kN (48,000lb) JT9D7Fs or 206.8kN (46,500lb) General Electric CF645A2s. 747-200B - Four 243.5kN (54,750lb) JT9D7R4G2s, or four 233.5kN (52,500lb) CF650E2s, or 236.2kN (53,110lb) RollsRoyce RB211524D4s.

Performance

747-100 - Max speed 967km/h (522kt), economical cruising speed 907km/h (490kt). Range with 385 pax and reserves 9045km (4880nm). 747-200B - Max speed 981km/h (530kt) (with RR engines), economical cruising speed 907km/h (490kt). Range (CF6-80C2 engines) with 366 pax and reserves 12,778km (6900nm). 747-200F - Range with 90,270kg (200,000lb) payload 9075km (4900nm) with CF680C2s.

Weights

747-100 - Empty 162,386kg (358,000lb), max takeoff 340,195kg (750,000lb). 747-200 - Operating empty with JT9Ds 169,960kg (374,400lb), with CF680C2s 172,730kg (380,800lb), with RB211s 174,000kg (383,600lb). Max takeoff 377,840kg (833,000lb). 747-100SR - Operating empty 162,430kg (358,100lb), max takeoff 272,155kg (600,000lb). 747-200F - Operating empty with JT9Ds 155,220kg (342,200lb), max takeoff 377,840kg (833,000lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 59.64m (195ft 8in), length 70.66m (231ft 10in), height 19.33m (63ft 5in). Wing area 511m2 (5500sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of three (two pilots and flight engineer). Seating arrangements include 397 in three classes, 452 in two classes (32 first & 420 economy), all economy seating for 447 nine abreast or up to 500 ten abreast. 747-200F - Max payload of 112,400kg (247,800lb) consisting of containers, pallets and/or igloos.

Production

747-100/200 in production to 1991. 167 100s, 9 100Bs, 29 -100SR, 224 200Bs, 13 200Cs, 69 200Fs and 77 200Ms built, plus 12 military aircraft. Approx 144 100s and 360 200s in service in late 1998.

Type

Long range high capacity widebody airliners

History

The hugely significant 747 revolutionised airline transport. Far bigger than anything before it, the 747 slashed operating costs per seat and thus cut the cost of long haul international airline travel.
Boeing conceived the 747 in the mid 1960s following its failure to secure a US Air Force contract for an ultra large strategic transport (which resulted in the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy), when it identified a market for a high capacity 'jumbo jet'. Boeing was able to draw upon design experience with the USAF transport and launched the new airliner on July 25 1966. First flight occurred on February 9 1969, certification was awarded on December 30 that year.
The basic 747-100 entered service with Pan American in January 1970. Progressive development of the 747 led to the 747-200B with higher weights, more powerful engines and longer range. The -200B first flew in October 1970 entering service with KLM, while nine higher weight 747-100Bs were built.
Developments include the 747-200F freighter, the SR (short range) optimised for high cycle short sector operations and the C (Combi).
The 747 holds a place in the public eye unlike any other aircraft. The so called `Queen of the Skies' opened up international travel to millions. It is also notable for being the first widebody airliner, the largest and heaviest airliner, and the first to use fuel efficient, high bypass turbofans.