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Boeing 720

The Boeing 720 is a short- to medium-range narrow-body jet airliner developed from the iconic Boeing 707. Designed for shorter runways and reduced passenger capacity, the Boeing 720 played a key role in expanding jet travel to smaller airports during the early jet age.

Boeing 720

What Is the Boeing 720?

The Boeing 720 is a four-engine jet airliner introduced in the late 1950s as a lighter, shorter-range version of the Boeing 707. Unlike later Boeing aircraft, the 720 was given a separate model number due to significant structural and aerodynamic modifications.

It was designed to operate from shorter runways and serve medium-density routes, making jet travel accessible to more airports worldwide.

Boeing 720 History and Development

First Flight: November 23, 1959

Entered Service: July 1960

Production Period: 1959–1967

Total Built: 154 aircraft

The Boeing 720 was originally marketed as the Boeing 707-020, but major design changes led Boeing to rename it as the 720. It became especially popular with airlines seeking jet performance without the full capacity of the 707.

Boeing 720 Specifications

General Characteristics

Manufacturer: Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Aircraft Type: Narrow-body jet airliner

Crew: 3–4 (cockpit crew, depending on configuration)

Dimensions

Length: 41.7 m (136 ft 10 in)

Wingspan: 39.9 m (130 ft 10 in)

Height: 12.7 m (41 ft 8 in)

Passenger Capacity

Typical Seating: 90–120 passengers

Maximum Seating: Around 149 passengers

Engine Options and Variants

Boeing 720

Engines: Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets

Role: Early short-haul jet operations

Boeing 720B

Engines: Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofans

Advantages:

Better fuel efficiency

Reduced noise

Improved range

The Boeing 720B became the more popular variant due to its improved performance and lower operating costs.

Boeing 720 Performance

Cruise Speed: Mach 0.81

Maximum Speed: Mach 0.84

Range: ~4,000 km (2,200 nautical miles)

Service Ceiling: 42,000 ft

The Boeing 720 offered excellent speed for its era while maintaining better short-runway capability than the larger Boeing 707.

Boeing 720 Interior and Cabin Layout

The cabin of the Boeing 720 was similar to the 707 but optimized for fewer passengers:

Seating Configuration: Typically 3-3

Wider seats than piston-engine airliners

Larger windows compared to earlier aircraft

Improved pressurization and comfort

This made the Boeing 720 a significant step forward in passenger experience during the early 1960s.

Airlines That Operated the Boeing 720

The Boeing 720 was flown by several major airlines, including:

United Airlines

American Airlines

Lufthansa

Eastern Air Lines

Pan Am (limited use)

The aircraft was also widely used by military and VIP operators, including modified versions for government transport.

Military and Special Use Variants

Several Boeing 720 aircraft were converted for:

Military transport

VIP and government use

Electronic warfare training

Test aircraft roles

These conversions extended the operational life of the Boeing 720 well beyond its commercial service years.

Advantages of the Boeing 720

Pros

Short-runway capability

High cruise speed for its time

Proven Boeing 707 design heritage

Reliable and durable airframe

Cons

High fuel consumption by modern standards

Four-engine maintenance costs

Limited range compared to newer aircraft

Legacy of the Boeing 720

Although production numbers were limited, the Boeing 720 played a crucial role in early jet aviation history. It helped airlines transition from propeller aircraft to jets on routes that couldn’t support larger planes.

Today, the Boeing 720 is remembered as a specialized and underrated aircraft that bridged the gap between first-generation jetliners and more efficient narrow-body designs.

Conclusion

The Boeing 720 was a pioneering aircraft that expanded jet travel to smaller airports and regional routes. While it has long since retired from commercial service, its influence on aircraft design and airline operations remains significant.

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