Boeing 747SP

Boeing Commercial Airplanes

ICAOB74S
Boeing 747SP aircraft
Boeing Commercial AirplanesBoeing 747SP
Photo: kitmasterbloke · CC BY 2.0 · Modified

About

The Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) was a shortened, long-range variant designed for ultra-long-haul routes with lower passenger demand. At 48.4 feet shorter than standard 747s, it featured a distinctive stubby appearance but could fly farther than any other 747 at the time - up to 15,400 km. Launched in 1976, the 747SP set multiple distance records and served prestigious routes like New York-Tehran and Los Angeles-Sydney nonstop. Only 45 were built, making it the rarest passenger 747 variant. Several 747SPs were converted for VIP and government use, including NASA's SOFIA flying observatory.

Weightscompared to Airbus A380-800

MRW (Maximum Ramp Weight)

318,875kg
0
200k
400k
577k

MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight)

315,700kg
0
200k
400k
575k

MLW (Maximum Landing Weight)

210,920kg
0
150k
300k
395k

MZFW (Maximum Zero Fuel Weight)

185,973kg
0
150k
300k
369k

Empty Weight

147,994kg
0
100k
200k
280k

Capacitycompared to Airbus A380-800

Passenger Capacity

440passengers
0
300
600
853

52% of A380 maximum capacity

Crew

Total
13
Cockpit
3
Cabin
10

Dimensions

Length

56.3m

Wingspan

59.6m

Height

20.1m

Wing Area

511.0m²

Cabin Width

6.10m

Cabin Height

2.54m

Catalog Price

Base List Price

$67M USD

1985 catalog price

Note: Actual prices vary based on configuration, options, and negotiations. This represents the manufacturer's base catalog price.

Engine Specifications

Engine Count

4×

Engine Model

JT9D-7A or CF6-45

Thrust per Engine

213.0 kN(47884 lbf)

Fuel & Cargo

Fuel Capacity

183,380 L

Cargo Volume

120 m³

Production & History

Total Produced

45

Production Status

Retired

Manufacturing Period

1973–1989

First Flight

July 4, 1975

Entered Service

April 25, 1976

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