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The Boeing 747 is a true icon of the skies.
Through more than 50 years of flight, it has been one of the most popular and successful airliners, and capable of a variety of roles.
And despite many airlines now retiring their 747s from passenger service, many do live on, especially as freighters.
But back in the 1960s the development of such a giant aircraft was unlike anything that had come before, and posed a huge risk for Boeing’s team who were literally betting the company on it.
The Development of the Boeing 747
The final Boeing 747 is rolled out at Everett, Washington on 6 December 2022. (Boeing)
The Boeing 747, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Skies,” emerged in the late 1960s as a groundbreaking response to increasing passenger demand and the advent of the jet age. Pan Am, one of Boeing’s largest customers, envisioned a high-capacity aircraft to revolutionize air travel, prompting the manufacturer to embark on an ambitious project.
The 747 debuted in 1969, featuring a distinctive upper deck “hump,” which originally housed a luxurious lounge for premium passengers. This unique design also allowed for easy cargo conversion, showcasing its adaptability. With its four powerful engines, the 747 could fly longer routes than ever before, connecting cities across continents and making global travel accessible to millions.
The First Flight of the Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 took to the skies for the first time on February 9, 1969. The flight began at 11:00 AM from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, where the aircraft had been assembled in Boeing’s purpose-built facility.
Piloted by Jack Waddell, with co-pilot Brien Wygle and flight engineer Jess Wallick, the prototype 747, designated RA001 (registration N7470), soared through the air for over an hour. The test flight was a resounding success, showcasing the aircraft’s performance, handling, and groundbreaking design. Despite its immense size, the 747 handled smoothly, a testament to the engineering prowess of Joe Sutter’s team.
Operational History
SAS Museet, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cockpit of the prototype 747. Photo (c) AvgeekJoe
The first flight was a significant milestone, paving the way for a rigorous flight test program that would certify the 747 for commercial service. Less than a year later, on January 22, 1970, Pan Am inaugurated 747 service on a flight from New York to London.
The successful debut of the 747 not only validated years of development but also set the stage for the aircraft’s dominance in long-haul air travel for decades to come.
The original prototype N7470 poses alongside the prototype 747-400 over Seattle.
Later, different variants of the 747 were developed, including the upgraded -200, the long range SP, the higher capacity -300 and the most popular -400.
Finally, the 747-8 was developed, which became the last variant. The final 747 rolled off the production line in 2022.
Where to See the Original 747 Today
Photo (c) Museum of Flight
Following its first flight, the prototype (named “City of Everett”) had an operational life being used in the test and certification programme, as well as in the development of later 747 variants and powerplants.
It was even used to develop the Air Force One aircraft based on the Boeing 747 (the VC-25 variant).
Its final flight took place on 6 April 1995 when it was flown to Boeing Field, near Seattle, to take up a place at the Museum of Flight. It had only accrued 5,200 hours of flying time.
Inside the prototype 747. Photo (c) BrianSmith.Photos
Photo (c) Derek Yu
For almost 20 years, the aircraft remained parked outside and was slowly deteriorating in the typically rainy weather of the region.
In 2012, a two-year process began to restore and paint the aircraft, and it is now housed under a large pavilion alongside some other large prototype airliners like the 727, 737 and 787.
Visitors to the museum can often visit the interior of the prototype 747 on tours, where they can see the test equipment, flight deck, and even a mockup of an early upper deck lounge as used by the original passenger airlines.
Have you ever seen the original 747? Leave a comment below!
