The Boeing 707-300 was a further refinement of the 707 family, designed to offer even greater capacity and range than the previous 707-200. First introduced in 1961, the 707-300 featured a longer fuselage, allowing for more passengers, and was powered by the more efficient JT4A turbofan engines. It became one of the most successful variants in the 707 series, widely adopted for both domestic and international routes by numerous airlines worldwide.

The 707-300 played a critical role in expanding long-range jet travel, helping to open new transcontinental routes and solidifying the 707’s position as one of the most influential aircraft in aviation history.

Key Specifications (Boeing 707-320 configuration)

• Crew: 3 (Pilot, Co-pilot, Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Typically 189–219 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Length: 46.61 m (153 ft 1 in).
• Wingspan: 44.42 m (145 ft 9 in).
• Height: 12.93 m (42 ft 5 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~145,000 kg (320,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Pratt & Whitney JT4A turbofan engines.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~855 km/h or 531 mph).
• Range: ~7,580 km (4,710 mi).
• Ceiling: ~41,000 ft (12,500 m).

Notable Features

• Longer fuselage than the 707-200, providing greater passenger capacity and better economics on busy international routes.
• Powered by JT4A turbofan engines, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced noise, and extended range compared to earlier models.
• Increased range compared to the 707-100 and 707-200, making it suitable for longer intercontinental flights.
• Pressurized cabin and sophisticated avionics, enhancing comfort and efficiency for passengers and flight crews alike.
• Served as the basis for both civilian and military versions, including freighter and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) conversions.

Variants

• 707-300 – Standard passenger version with enhanced range and capacity compared to the 707-200 series.
• 707-320 – Similar to the 707-300, with slight aerodynamic improvements for better fuel efficiency and range.
• 707-300C – Convertible freighter version, able to carry both passengers and cargo.
• 707-320B – A model with upgraded engines, further improving range and efficiency.
• 707-320F – Full freighter version, used by cargo operators worldwide.

Operators & Usage

• The 707-300 was widely used by airlines like Pan Am, TWA, United Airlines, and Lufthansa for international flights.
• The aircraft was particularly popular on transatlantic and transpacific routes due to its combination of range and capacity.
• Many 707-300 aircraft were converted to freighters, continuing to serve in cargo operations long after their passenger roles were retired.
• The E-3 AWACS military version of the 707-300 provided surveillance and early-warning capabilities for the United States and allied air forces.
• Although retired from most commercial services by the early 1980s, some 707-300s continued to be used for specialized roles and converted into cargo carriers.