Boeing 720
Boeing Commercial Airplanes · United States · first flew 1959 · airliner
The Boeing 720 was a lightened and structurally modified derivative of the Boeing 707 designed for domestic US routes requiring shorter field performance. Though marketed separately, it was essentially a refined 707 optimised for medium-range operations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbojet, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Visually nearly identical to the 707 — recognised mainly by shorter fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Lightened short-range derivative of the Boeing 707 for domestic routes
- Leading edge full-span slats distinguish it from earlier 707 variants
- Visually nearly identical to the 707 — recognised mainly by shorter fuselage
Virtually identical to the 707 in profile — distinguished by its slightly shorter fuselage, full-span leading edge slats, and thinner inboard wing section visible only to experts.
Specifications
- The Boeing 720 has a length of 41.53 m (136 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 39.87 m (131 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 975 km/h (606 mph).
- Typical crew: 3 + up to 165 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally designated 707-020, the aircraft was renamed 720 after United Air Lines insisted on differentiation from the transcontinental 707. First flying in November 1959, the 720 featured a shorter fuselage, reduced fuel capacity, and leading-edge slats for improved low-speed handling. Turbofan-powered 720B versions followed with Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines. Production totalled 154 aircraft.
Variants
The 720 used Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets; the 720B switched to JT3D turbofans for better economy. Several operators converted their turbojets to turbofan standard.
Where you'll see it
Operated by United, American, Eastern, and other US carriers as well as international airlines; Ethiopian Airlines and others used 720Bs on thinner international routes into the 1980s.
Related aircraft
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