The Boeing 720 is a narrow-body, twin-engine airliner developed as a shorter, more fuel-efficient version of the Boeing 707. First introduced in 1960, the 720 was designed to serve shorter routes while retaining the 707's basic design, performance, and capacity. It was primarily used for domestic and regional flights, where its smaller size and reduced operating costs made it a popular option.

The 720 is known for its quieter engines and improved fuel economy compared to the original 707, although its range is slightly reduced due to its smaller fuselage. Though production of the 720 was discontinued in 1967, the aircraft played a significant role in the development of jet airliners and is regarded as a key step in Boeing's transition from piston-powered to jet-powered aircraft.

Key Specifications (Boeing 720-060 configuration)

• Crew: 3 (2 Pilots, 1 Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Typically 140–150 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Length: 42.60 m (139 ft 9 in).
• Wingspan: 39.88 m (130 ft 2 in).
• Height: 12.52 m (41 ft 1 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~142,000 kg (314,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Pratt & Whitney JT3C-6 turbofan engines.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~853 km/h or 530 mph).
• Range: ~4,450 km (2,765 mi).
• Ceiling: ~37,000 ft (11,280 m).

Notable Features

• Shorter fuselage than the 707, offering greater efficiency for shorter-range flights.
• Powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbofan engines, providing quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency over earlier jet engines.
• More efficient fuel consumption than the 707, making it ideal for airlines operating on shorter domestic routes.
• Smaller capacity compared to the 707, with a typical seating configuration for around 140–150 passengers.
• More economical operation for airlines with a focus on short-haul flights.

Variants

• 720-060 – The original version, with a shorter fuselage and a slightly reduced range compared to the 707-100.
• 720B – A later model with more powerful engines, offering improved performance and a slightly extended range.

Operators & Usage

• The Boeing 720 was used by many major airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Pan Am for domestic flights, particularly within the U.S.
• Although production was discontinued in 1967, the aircraft remained in service for many years, with some examples continuing to fly into the 1980s.
• The 720B version saw wider adoption due to its improved engines and longer range, making it suitable for more routes.
• Several military variants of the Boeing 720 were produced, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, a refueling aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force.