The Boeing 747SR (Special Range) is a variant of the 747 designed specifically for short-haul routes, where high passenger capacity was required over relatively short distances. Introduced in 1975, the 747SR was developed to meet the needs of Japanese airlines, particularly All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), who required an aircraft that could efficiently handle the high passenger demand on domestic routes within Japan.

The 747SR is similar to the 747-100, but with modifications to enhance its performance on shorter routes, including a higher takeoff weight and greater fuel capacity. Despite its specialized role, the 747SR shared many of the same design features as the original 747, including its iconic humpbacked shape and large wingspan.

Key Specifications (747SR)

• Crew: 2 (Pilots).
• Capacity: Typically 450–550 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Length: 70.66 m (231 ft 5 in).
• Wingspan: 64.40 m (211 ft 3 in).
• Height: 19.40 m (63 ft 7 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 650,000 kg (1,433,000 lb).
• Engines: 4 × Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A turbofans.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.85 (~907 km/h or 564 mph).
• Range: ~4,200 km (2,610 mi).
• Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m).

Notable Features

• Specialized for Short-Haul: The 747SR was designed for short-range flights, offering high capacity for domestic routes, particularly in Japan. It had the ability to carry more passengers over short distances than the standard 747-100.
• Increased Takeoff Weight: The 747SR featured a higher maximum takeoff weight compared to the standard 747-100, allowing for a greater payload and more fuel capacity to handle the demands of shorter routes.
• Tailored for Japanese Market: The 747SR was specifically developed to serve the densely traveled domestic routes in Japan, where airlines like ANA and JAL needed a high-capacity aircraft.
• Efficient Design: While similar to the 747-100, the 747SR had modifications to improve fuel efficiency and operating costs on shorter trips, including a higher number of seats and increased range for intra-country routes.
• Increased Service Life: The design allowed for longer service durations, as it could handle a higher number of flight cycles than typical long-range variants, catering to the high-frequency domestic routes.

Operators & Usage

• Japanese Airlines: The primary operators of the 747SR were Japanese carriers, such as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), who used the aircraft on their busiest domestic routes.
• Retirement: The 747SR was retired from commercial service in the early 2000s, as airlines transitioned to more efficient, smaller aircraft for domestic flights. However, several 747SRs were used for freight operations and converted to cargo aircraft.
• Specialized Role: The aircraft's specialized role in Japan’s domestic aviation market helped solidify the 747’s reputation as a versatile airliner that could be adapted to a wide range of operational needs.