Boeing 727
The Boeing 727 was developed as a short to mid range aircraft capable of operating from shorter runways. It is a TriJet aircraft, Boeing’s only 3 engined aircraft, with an engine either side of the rear fuselage and a third mounted in the tail with an S duct from the base of the fin. It is powered by three Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines.
The development of the aircraft started in the 1960's and the design was a compromise as United Airlines & American Airlines were wanting a new twin engined aircraft to serve smaller cities, too small for the Boeing 707's & &20's then in service. However Eastern Airlines wanted a similar aircraft to operate on its Caribbean routes and at the time twin engined aircraft were restricted to 60 minutes flying form an airport, so the aircraft was built with three engines.
The development of the S duct proved troublesome as it induced a surge in the centreline engine during take-off, however this was fixed by the introduction of several large vortex generators inside of the first bend of the duct.
The 727 has the same nose shape as the 707 as well as the same fuselage section but one of is distinctive design features, designed so that it could operate at smaller airfields with little ground support, were the integrated airstairs in the rear fuselage below the tail, these airstairs could initially be opened in flight but after the famous D.B.Cooper hijacking, this facility was removed. Another unusual feature was the option of brakes on the nosewheel, facilitating short landings, most aircraft do not have brakes on the nosewheel.
The aircraft entered service with Eastern in 1964 and a number of aircraft are still flying with commercial, government and military operators. The main drawback to the 727 being the noise so aircraft have been fitted with hushkits.
The main variants of the aircraft are, the original 727-100, the -100C which was a convertible passenger/cargo aircraft. The -100QC, similar to the C but with a quick change floor. -100QF which are re-engined aircraft with RR Tay turbofans.
The -200 Advanced or Adv again gave the aircraft more powerful engines and both increased operating weights and fuel. The first delivery of this aircraft was in 1972. There was also a -200F but only 15 aircraft were built.
Total sales:
727-100 - 571
727-200 - 310
727-200Adv - 935
727-200F - 15
Total: 1,831