BOEING 707 - America's Revolutionary First Commercial Passenger Jet!

Summary

This video traces the history of the iconic Boeing 707, a revolutionary jet that forever changed air travel. From its early days as the 'Jet Straddle Liner' to its successful commercial service starting in the 1950s, the 707 marked a historic shift from propeller to jet aircraft. The video delves into the aircraft's technical evolution, its iconic maneuvers, and its role in opening new transatlantic routes. It also highlights the challenges of early jet operations, with the 707 setting the stage for modern aviation and paving the way for future Boeing models.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Boeing 707 revolutionized air travel by introducing jet-powered commercial aviation in the late 1950s.
• 😀 Initially named the Jet Straddle Liner, the 707 became a pivotal aircraft during the transition from propeller-driven airliners to jets.
• 😀 Boeing had been in the airliner business since 1928, producing key models like the Model 247, Model 307 (world's first pressurized airliner), and the 377 Strato Cruiser.
• 😀 The 707 prototype, known as the Dash 80, first flew in 1954 and played a critical role in demonstrating the future of commercial aviation.
• 😀 The famous inverted roll performed by test pilot Tex Johnston over Seattle during the 1955 Seafair highlighted the 707’s capabilities, even though it caused initial controversy at Boeing.
• 😀 By 1956, Boeing began promoting the 707 to airlines, with the first model, the 707-120, flying in December 1957 and powered by Pratt & Whitney turbojets.
• 😀 Pan Am became the first airline to operate the 707 commercially, marking the beginning of transatlantic jet service in 1958.
• 😀 The Boeing 707 was an iconic aircraft, designed by Raymond Loewy with a sleek color scheme that made it look fast even when stationary.
• 😀 Early 707 operations faced challenges with ground equipment, jet blast, and space limitations at existing airports, with jets requiring a different infrastructure compared to propeller planes.
• 😀 The 707-320 series, or Intercontinental, introduced the ability to fly both directions non-stop across the Atlantic and had a range of 4000 miles.
• 😀 The 707's turbojet engines, like the J57, were shared with military aircraft, underscoring the crossover between commercial and military aviation technologies.
• 😀 The Boeing 707's legacy includes not only revolutionizing commercial aviation but also influencing the design of future aircraft, such as the 727 and 737.

Q & A

What was the original name of the Boeing 707?

The Boeing 707 was originally named the 'Jet Straddle Liner'.

Which aircraft was Boeing's first commercial airliner?

Boeing's first commercial airliner was the Model ADA, followed by the Model 247 in the 1930s.

What significant achievement did the Boeing 707 represent in the evolution of air travel?

The Boeing 707 represented a major transition in commercial aviation from propeller-driven aircraft to jet-powered airliners, revolutionizing long-distance air travel.

What was the role of Tex Johnston in the Boeing 707's history?

Tex Johnston, Boeing's chief test pilot, famously performed an inverted roll with the 707 over Seattle in 1955, demonstrating its capabilities to a large crowd, including airline executives.

Who was the first airline to operate the Boeing 707?

Pan American Airways (Pan Am) was the first airline to operate the Boeing 707.

What was the race between British and American airlines about in the late 1950s?

The race was about which airline would be the first to offer transatlantic jet service. The British Comet 4 won the race, but Pan Am quickly followed with the 707.

What was unique about the initial operations of the Boeing 707 at airports in the late 1950s?

In the early days, Boeing 707 jets had to operate on the original ramps designed for piston-powered airplanes, which created challenges like handling ground equipment and managing jet blast in tight spaces.

What kind of fuel and ground equipment was used to support the Boeing 707 in its early years?

The Boeing 707 required extensive ground equipment, including fuel trucks, water injection trucks, and galley service, to support its operations at airports before the construction of modern terminals and jetways.

What was the range and engine power of the Boeing 707 120?

The Boeing 707 120 was powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3A turbojet engines providing 14,000 pounds of thrust, and it had a range of 3,000 miles.

How did the Boeing 707 320 differ from the earlier 707 models?

The Boeing 707 320, also known as the Intercontinental model, featured upgraded engines (Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbojets) and an increased range of 4,000 miles, allowing it to fly non-stop in both directions across the Atlantic.