What does SP mean in 747SP?
The Boeing 747SP (for Special Performance) is a shortened version of the Boeing 747 widebody airliner, designed for a longer range.
Why did the 747SP fail?
The aircraft, despite its long range, was not popular with airlines, and only 45 were built. This was mainly due to its four-engine configuration, which meant high fuel usage and higher costs for airlines, making it difficult to break even on ultra-long-haul flights.
When was SOFIA built?
The SOFIA aircraft is a Boeing 747SP with a distinguished history. It was originally acquired by Pan American World Airways and was delivered in May 1977.
What type of engine does a Boeing 747 have?
General Electric CF6
Rolls-Royce RB211Pratt & Whitney PW4000
Boeing 747-400/Engine types
The 747 is a quadjet, initially powered by JT9D turbofan engines, then GE CF6 and Rolls-Royce RB211 engines for the original variants. With a ten-abreast economy seating, it typically accommodates 366 passengers in three travel classes.
What happened to Captain Min Yuan Ho?
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the captain’s preoccupation with an inflight malfunction and his failure to monitor properly the airplane’s flight instruments which resulted in his losing control of the airplane.
Why is SOFIA called SOFIA?
The name Sofia comes from the Saint Sofia Church, as opposed to the prevailing Slavic origin of Bulgarian cities and towns. The origin is in the Greek word sophia (σοφία) “wisdom”.
Is SOFIA a satellite?
SOFIA is the successor to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. During 10-hour, overnight flights, it observes celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets, nebulae, and the galactic centre….Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy.
| Alternative names | SOFIA |
| Organization | NASA / DLR / USRA / DSI |
| Telescopes |
|---|
What kind of plane is the Boeing Sofia?
SOFIA is unusual looking: a short and stubby aircraft with an outsized tail fin. It is one a small number of Boeing 747 Special Performance (SP) aircraft that were built as derivatives of the Boeing 747-100 series. These SP aircraft were shortened and specifically designed to fly higher and farther than any other 747 at the time.
Why was the SOFIA telescope mounted on a 747?
“You can slow down the rising and setting of objects when flying west,” he said. In the late 1970s, Boeing pitched NASA on the idea that an airborne telescope could be mounted on a 747. It took until 1996 for NASA and DLR (The German Aerospace Center) to partner up and create SOFIA. Next, they just needed to find the right plane.
Where did the idea for the 747SP come from?
The idea for the 747SP came from a request by Pan Am for a 747 variant capable of carrying a full payload non-stop on its longest route between New York and Tehran.
Which is the shortened version of the Boeing 747?
In limited service as governmental, charter or VIP aircraft, one in service as SOFIA . The Boeing 747SP (for Special Performance) is a shortened version of the Boeing 747 widebody airliner, designed for a longer range .