The Baby Queen: Why Did Boeing Build The 747SP?

The Boeing 747SP (“Special Performance”) was essentially a shorter 747 built for a specific long-range mission. Boeing shrank the aircraft from 231 ft 10 in (70.6 m) to 183 ft 3 in (55.85 m), while retaining the 747’s wingspan of 195 ft 8 in (59.64 m). Sections of the fuselage were removed, the center section was modified, and the tail was redesigned for a taller vertical stabilizer. It also used simpler single-slotted flaps and lighter airframe components, with maximum takeoff weight lower than the 747-100. The SP could cruise near 45,100 ft and fly up to 6,650 NM (12,325 km).