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Boeing 707
Discusses the 707 as a private-venture prototype, the Boeing Model 707 family, and as a military type
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1983
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April 28, 2013
An Introduction and Overview of an Iconic Airliner
Note: Catherine Bradley is the Series Editor; the author is Christopher Chant
As the Boeing 707 is one of my favorite aircraft, this book was enjoyable. For such a slim volume, the book covers quite a lot, providing anyone new to the aircraft with a decent overview of the many variations and derivations of the Boeing icon. After all, it was the 707 that made Boeing the Number One producer of commercial aircraft in the world, toppling Douglas and Lockheed from their prominent positions. Mr. Chant covers the Model 367-80 ("Dash-80") research prototype, followed by the series -120 through -420 airplanes, before moving on to the Model 720 and military (KC-135 and E-3A) versions. Only the one-off Series -700, a -320 that flew briefly with CFM-56 engines before the project was abandoned and the aircraft refitted with JT-3Ds and sold to the Government of Morocco is not present; then, again, in 1983, when the book was published, the CFM turbofan was still being developed. One of the advantages of this book being one of the older 707 titles out there is that it covers the aircraft's golden years, when it was in its glory as a passenger airliner. Many newer titles fall short in this area, concentrating on the Boeing 707 as a converted cargo carrier. Thus, there is room on a bookshelf for an older title such as this.
The book could have gone a little more in depth about this fascinating airplane; my favorite Boeing 707 book is that of Rene Francillion for that reason. Although the 720, KC-135, and E-3A are very different aircraft, they are all part of the Boeing 707 "family" and it is good that Mr. Chant mentions them here. They are interesting machines in their own right. What is curious is that the 707 variants are referred to as the -100, -200, -300, and -400; the proper designation is -120, -220, -320, and -420, the even 100 model number designation started with the Boeing 727. I do, however, question, some of the choices of photographs. Let's start with the cover: if this is a book on the Boeing 707, why is a Boeing 720B depicted? Though both planes belong to the same family, they are different designs. There are two nice flight deck pictures, one in color, both showing the older layout. It is with the four cabin photos I take issue: of these, only one actually represents a Boeing 707. Judging from the side-wall panels, it is one of the newer cabins of an Royal Air Maroc machine, though the post-1970 enclosed overhead bins are not visible. Two other photos were actually taken aboard a Boeing 727, the lack of ceiling dome lighting and rear emergency exit giving those away. The remaining photo is an early cabin mock-up. (Note to authors and editors: we airplane nuts are know as "rivet counters" for good reason.)
Overall, it's a decent book, delivering more eye-candy for fans of the Boeing 707.
Note: Catherine Bradley is the Series Editor; the author is Christopher Chant
As the Boeing 707 is one of my favorite aircraft, this book was enjoyable. For such a slim volume, the book covers quite a lot, providing anyone new to the aircraft with a decent overview of the many variations and derivations of the Boeing icon. After all, it was the 707 that made Boeing the Number One producer of commercial aircraft in the world, toppling Douglas and Lockheed from their prominent positions. Mr. Chant covers the Model 367-80 ("Dash-80") research prototype, followed by the series -120 through -420 airplanes, before moving on to the Model 720 and military (KC-135 and E-3A) versions. Only the one-off Series -700, a -320 that flew briefly with CFM-56 engines before the project was abandoned and the aircraft refitted with JT-3Ds and sold to the Government of Morocco is not present; then, again, in 1983, when the book was published, the CFM turbofan was still being developed. One of the advantages of this book being one of the older 707 titles out there is that it covers the aircraft's golden years, when it was in its glory as a passenger airliner. Many newer titles fall short in this area, concentrating on the Boeing 707 as a converted cargo carrier. Thus, there is room on a bookshelf for an older title such as this.
The book could have gone a little more in depth about this fascinating airplane; my favorite Boeing 707 book is that of Rene Francillion for that reason. Although the 720, KC-135, and E-3A are very different aircraft, they are all part of the Boeing 707 "family" and it is good that Mr. Chant mentions them here. They are interesting machines in their own right. What is curious is that the 707 variants are referred to as the -100, -200, -300, and -400; the proper designation is -120, -220, -320, and -420, the even 100 model number designation started with the Boeing 727. I do, however, question, some of the choices of photographs. Let's start with the cover: if this is a book on the Boeing 707, why is a Boeing 720B depicted? Though both planes belong to the same family, they are different designs. There are two nice flight deck pictures, one in color, both showing the older layout. It is with the four cabin photos I take issue: of these, only one actually represents a Boeing 707. Judging from the side-wall panels, it is one of the newer cabins of an Royal Air Maroc machine, though the post-1970 enclosed overhead bins are not visible. Two other photos were actually taken aboard a Boeing 727, the lack of ceiling dome lighting and rear emergency exit giving those away. The remaining photo is an early cabin mock-up. (Note to authors and editors: we airplane nuts are know as "rivet counters" for good reason.)
Overall, it's a decent book, delivering more eye-candy for fans of the Boeing 707.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review