Boeing 747SP
The Boeing 747SP ('Special Performance') is a shortened version of the original 747, about 14 metres shorter than the standard model. That shorter, lighter airframe gave it exceptional range and a higher cruising altitude, which airlines used for very long, thin routes that a full-size 747 couldn't fly profitably. Only 45 were ever built, making it one of the rarest 747 variants. NASA later used a modified 747SP as the flying platform for the SOFIA airborne infrared telescope.
Did you know?
About 14 metres shorter than the standard 747, the SP's lighter airframe gave it exceptional range and a higher cruising altitude.
Specifications
| Length | 56.3 m (185 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 59.6 m (196 ft) |
| Height | 16.9 m (55 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 331 |
| Persons on board | 220-440 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 317.5 t |
| Range | 6,650 NM (12,316 km) |
| Maximum speed | 490 kt (907 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,700 ft/min (8.6 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 2,900 m (9,514 ft) |
| Landing distance | 1,600 m (5,249 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 185,000 l |
| Engines | 4x Pratt & Whitney JT9D |
| Units built | 45 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Boeing 747SP starts as a Legendary catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you. The first catch of a legendary type pays a bonus of its own.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Boeing, the 747 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
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