The different most common variants of the Boeing 747

The Boeing 747 is, without question, the most iconic airliner in the world. She is a breathtaking sight in the night sky. A monster in size, yet it glides with elegance. One possible explanation for the 747’s regal reputation: its size. In this article, I’ll go through the different most common variants of the Boeing 747.

The Boeing 747 has seen significant development throughout the course of its 50 years in service. Unlike the Airbus A380 Superjumbo, which only came in one variant—the passenger version—it has fulfilled a wide variety of roles. The fuselage of a 747 has been used to transport the Space Shuttle, in addition to passengers and cargo. Because of its adaptability, the jumbo has spawned a plethora of other iterations.

Listed here, from the original Boeing 747 to the latest model, are the plane’s most prevalent variants. Keep in mind that not all variations’ cargo versions were taken into account here. There are also Boeing 747 variants which are for military purposes such as the Doomsday plane, and of course Air Force One.

747-100:

The original version of the 747, it was first introduced in 1970 and was used primarily for passenger and cargo flights.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 195 ft 8 in (59.64 m)
• Height: 63 ft 5 in (19.33 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 833,000 lb (378,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 4,450 nautical miles (8,230 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofans
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-200:

An improved version of the 747-100, it had a longer range and a higher maximum takeoff weight.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 195 ft 8 in (59.64 m)
• Height: 63 ft 5 in (19.33 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 833,000 lb (378,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 4,450 nautical miles (8,230 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofans or Rolls-Royce RB211-524
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-300:

An extended version of the 747-200, it had a stretched upper deck and was used primarily for passenger flights.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 195 ft 8 in (59.64 m)
• Height: 63 ft 5 in (19.33 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 833,000 lb (378,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 4,450 nautical miles (8,230 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4G2 or Rolls-Royce RB211-524B
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-400:

When it came out in 1989, it was the most advanced version of the 747. It had a glass cockpit, new engines, and a higher maximum takeoff weight.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,322,000 lb (600,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney PW4056, General Electric CF6-80C2B1F, or Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747SP (Special Performance):

A shorter variant of the 747-100 and 747-200 with a shorter fuselage and a modified wing design, it was used for longer-distance flights with smaller passenger loads.

• Length: 185 ft 5 in (56.54 m)
• Wingspan: 157 ft 5 in (48.05 m)
• Height: 63 ft 4 in (19.3 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 735,000 lb (333,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 7,260 nautical miles (13,450 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A turbofans
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 440 (depending on configuration)

747-400ER (Extended Range):

A version of the 747-400 with increased fuel capacity, allowing for longer nonstop flights.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,322,000 lb (600,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km)
• Engines: Four General Electric GE90-110B1 or Pratt & Whitney PW4062
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-400M (Combi):

A version of the 747-400 that could carry both passengers and cargo on the main deck, it was used primarily by airlines operating in Europe and Asia.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,322,000 lb (600,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney PW4056, General Electric CF6-80C2B1F, or Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-400D (Domestic):

A version of the 747-400 optimized for short-haul domestic flights, it featured a higher maximum takeoff weight and a modified interior configuration.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,322,000 lb (600,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km)
• Engines: Four Pratt & Whitney PW4056, General Electric CF6-80C2B1F, or Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 660 (depending on configuration)

747-8i & 747-8F (Intercontinental & Freighter):

A new version of 747-8 with improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the Intercontinental version is designed to carry passengers, while the freighter version is used to carry cargo.

• Length: 251 ft 11 in (76.7 m)
• Wingspan: 224 ft 5 in (68.4 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,410,000 lb (637,500 kg)
• Maximum range: 8,000 nautical miles (14,800 km)
• Engines: Four GEnx-2B67 or Rolls-Royce Trent 900
• Maximum speed: 614 mph (990 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Passenger capacity: Up to 467 (depending on configuration)

747 Dreamlifter

The 747 Dreamlifter, also known as the 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF), is a modified version of the 747-400 that is used to transport large components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

• Length: 232 ft 5 in (70.66 m)
• Wingspan: 211 ft 5 in (64.44 m)
• Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 1,322,000 lb (600,000 kg)
• Maximum range: 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 km)
• Engines: Four General Electric CF6-80C2B1F
• Maximum speed: 565 mph (909 km/h)
• Maximum altitude: 45,100 ft (13,750 m)
• Cargo capacity: 65,000 cu ft (1,840 m3)

There are more variants of the Boeing 747 but I’ll simply concentrate on the ones above. The final Boeing 747 manufactured will shortly fly on test flights before heading to its customer, Atlas Air. Amidst the end of manufacturing, the 747 will stay in existence for a longer amount of time owing to its flexibility to diverse purposes. If you can get a 747 passenger trip, you’d be fortunate!