The Boeing 727-100 was the original version of Boeing’s successful trijet airliner, first introduced in 1964. It was designed to serve medium-range routes from airports with shorter runways and minimal ground infrastructure. The 727-100 featured a three-engine configuration, allowing it to operate efficiently from smaller airports that couldn’t support larger four-engine aircraft.

As Boeing’s first trijet, the 727-100 helped usher in the jet age for domestic and regional travel. Its innovative design—especially the built-in rear airstair and high-lift wing devices—made it adaptable and reliable in various operating environments. The 727-100 was quickly adopted by many major airlines, laying the foundation for the extended 727-200 and its further derivatives.

Key Specifications (727-100)

• Crew: 3 (2 Pilots, 1 Flight Engineer).
• Capacity: Typically 106–149 passengers.
• Length: 40.59 m (133 ft 2 in).
• Wingspan: 32.92 m (108 ft 0 in).
• Height: 10.36 m (34 ft 0 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~77,110 kg (170,000 lb).
• Engines: 3 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-1 through JT8D-7 turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.84 (~885 km/h or 550 mph).
• Range: ~3,800 km (2,360 mi).
• Ceiling: ~42,000 ft (12,800 m).

Notable Features

• Rear-mounted trijet layout, enabling better performance at high-altitude and short-field airports.
• Clean wing design with advanced high-lift devices for improved takeoff and landing capabilities.
• T-tail configuration, reducing the impact of jet exhaust on control surfaces.
• Integral rear airstair, allowing self-sufficient boarding and deplaning.
• Efficient for short to medium-haul routes, bridging the gap between propeller-driven airliners and larger jets.

Variants

• 727-100 – The original short-fuselage version.
• 727-100C – Convertible model for passenger or cargo use.
• 727-100QC – “Quick Change” version designed for rapid swapping between passenger and freight roles.
• 727-100F – Dedicated freighter version.

Operators & Usage

• Early operators included United Airlines, Eastern Air Lines, and American Airlines, among others.
• The 727-100 proved ideal for domestic and regional routes, especially those with infrastructure limitations.
• As newer aircraft entered service, many 727-100s were sold to secondary carriers or converted into freighters.
• The model also saw use in military and government roles, including transport and surveillance missions.