Saying Goodbye to the Queen of the Skies: The Final Boeing 747
- Daniel Morton
- Feb 1, 2023
- 5 min read
The world of aviation has bid farewell to a true icon with the delivery of the final Boeing 747 to Atlas Air Worldwide. The 747 has been a staple of the skies for over five decades, and its retirement marks the end of an era for air travel. Today, we pay tribute to this remarkable aircraft and take a look at its history and legacy, and some of its special uses.
From its conception in the 1960s, the 747 was a game-changer in the aviation industry. Its innovative design, including its distinctive hump-backed shape, allowed it to carry more passengers and cargo than any other aircraft of its time. The 747 quickly became the flagship of many airlines and the preferred choice for long-haul flights. The 747 also played a significant role in making air travel accessible to the masses and connecting people across the globe like never before.
Over its 50-plus years in service, the 747 has transported millions of passengers and has been a symbol of innovation, efficiency, and comfort. The 747 has also been a part of many historical moments, including being the first aircraft to fly non-stop from New York to Tokyo and the first to carry a human heart for transplant.
The Boeing 747, affectionately known as The Queen of the Sky, is not only known for its commercial success, but it is also widely recognized for its use as the United States of America’s presidential aircraft, also known as Air Force One. The distinctive blue and white livery of Air Force One, combined with the iconic shape of the 747, has made it one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world. The Presidential Airlift Group maintains and operates two identical 747s, designated by the Air Force as VC-25A, with tail numbers 28000 and 29000 respectively.
Air Force One, as it is named only while the President of the United States has boarded the aircraft is more than just a means of transportation for the President. It is a symbol of American power, prestige, and security. Equipped with advanced communication and security systems, including the ability to refuel in mid-air, ensures that the President can remain connected and protected at all times.
As Air Force One, the 747 has also played a significant role in shaping American foreign policy and has been a backdrop for many historical events. From negotiating peace treaties to responding to crisis situations, the 747 has been an important tool for American Presidents to conduct the business of the nation and represent the United States on the world stage.
The “Queen” as it is labeled by aviation enthusiasts, has also been used for a variety of special purposes beyond its commercial and presidential use. Some notable uses include:
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft: The 747 has been used as a carrier aircraft for the Space Shuttle, allowing it to be transported to and from launch sites. To accommodate the weight of the shuttle, the fuselage underwent reinforcement and additional struts were attached to the top to securely support the payload. The tail also underwent significant modifications, with the addition of vertical stabilizers to the existing horizontal stabilizers.
Airborne Laser Laboratory: The Boeing YAL-1 was a prototype airborne laser system developed by Boeing and the U.S. Air Force. It was designed to be mounted on a Boeing 747-400F platform and was intended to provide a missile defense system capable of destroying incoming ballistic missiles in their boost phase. The YAL-1 ABL program was eventually canceled in 2011 due to technical challenges and budget constraints. On 12 February 2012, she flew her final flight.
747 Supertanker: The 747 Supertanker was modified to carry large quantities of fire-retardant material and has been used to combat forest fires around the world. The most substantial aircraft in the fleet are dubbed VLATs or "Very Large Aircraft Tankers". These can range from DC-10s to 747s, capable of carrying an impressive 11,000 gallons of retardant. The cost of each drop is a hefty $65,000, with an additional hourly flight cost of approximately $22,000.
Advanced Airborne Command Post (AACP): The Boeing E-4B “Nightwatch” as it is designated and operated by the United States Air Force, is an airborne strategic command and control aircraft with nuclear electromagnetic pulse protection that acts as a survivable mobile command post, namely for the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, and successors. Nicknamed “the Doomsday plane”, is also equipped with super high-frequency and "Milstar" communications equipment housed on top of the aircraft's fuselage within its distinctive dome or bulge.
SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) is a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft equipped with a 2.7-meter diameter infrared telescope. SOFIA, “The Flying Observatory” is studying the formation of stars and planets, the chemistry of the universe, and more. It operates at high altitudes above the majority of Earth's atmospheric water vapor, providing unique opportunities to study the universe in infrared light.
Boeing Large Cargo Freighter-Dreamlifter: The 747 has been modified for use as the Boeing Dreamlifter, a massive cargo aircraft used for transporting large sections of the Boeing 787 aircraft, including wings and fuselages, from suppliers around the world to Boeing's assembly plants. The four modified passenger 747’s are designed with a unique ability to open their entire tail section like a big door allowing the massive sections to be loaded into the Dreamlifter.
The delivery of the final 747 on Tuesday is a bittersweet moment, but it is a testament to the incredible legacy and impact that this aircraft has had on the world. The 747 will forever be remembered as a symbol of progress and innovation in the aviation industry.
The Boeing 747 will always be remembered as a true icon of the skies. Its retirement marks the end of an era, but its legacy will live on for generations to come.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a frequent flyer, or just have fond memories of flying on the 747, it is impossible not to be moved by this final farewell to a true aviation legend. The 747 has played a significant role in shaping air travel, American foreign policy, and scientific research, and its versatility and adaptability will always be remembered as a testament.
The retirement of the 747 marks a new chapter in aviation history as airlines continue to transition to newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. However, the 747 will always hold a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts including everyone at Sky Sight Aviation.
With the closing of the 747 program, the demand for the 737 MAX has increased, leading to the decision for Boeing to announce plans to repurpose the 747 building to manufacture the 737 MAX. The move will allow Boeing to streamline its production process and increase its efficiency, as the 737 MAX has become the company's best-selling aircraft. The conversion of the 747 building to accommodate the 737 MAX production line is a significant investment for Boeing, reflecting the company's confidence in the future of the 737 MAX and its continued dominance in the single-aisle market.
Atlas Air Flight 747, with the call sign "Giant 747", made headlines when it departed the Boeing factory to Cincinnati (CVG) The crew programmed the flight management computer to create a flight path that displayed the flight number "747" along with a queen's crown on all flight tracking sites before continuing on to Cincinnati, as a nod to the retiring Boeing 747, also known as the "Queen of the Skies".
This unique flight path caused excitement among aviation enthusiasts and honored the legacy of the 747 and its lasting impact on the aviation industry. The use of the flight number and crown symbol by Atlas Air was a fitting recognition of the legendary jumbo jet, tail number N863GT, serial number 67150, which was the 1574th and final 747 ever built.
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