Boeing 747-200

Entering service in 1971 (just a year after the original -100), the Boeing 747-200 was the second distinct variant of the 747 family.

While it looked almost identical to the original model, the -200 was vastly improved "under the skin." It featured more powerful engines, greater fuel capacity, and a stronger structure, allowing it to carry heavier payloads over much longer distances. It became the standard long-haul workhorse for major international airlines throughout the 1970s and 1980s. More information below.

DW B747-200 Aerolineas Argentinas 'Soccer'

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PH B747-200 Aerolineas Argentinas

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PH B747-200 Air China Cargo [B747-4FTS]

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PL B747-200 Air HK (B-HMD)

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PL B747-200 Air HK (B-HMF)

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DW B747-200 Alitalia 'BACI'

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PL B747-200 Atlas Air 'Dragonair Cargo'

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PH B747-200 Boeing Livery

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PH B747-200 Boeing Livery (old livery)

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PH B747-200 CAAC

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PH B747-200 Cargolux

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PH B747-200 China Airlines

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PH B747-200 China Airlines (B-1886)

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DW B747-200 China Airlines Cargo

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PH B747-200 Iran Air

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PH B747-200 JAA Japan Asia Airways 'Sumo Wrestler'

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PL B747-200 JAL Aloha Express

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PH B747-200 Kuwait Airways

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PL B747-200 Lufthansa (polished)

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PL B747-200 Northwest Airlines (polished)

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DW B747-200F Ocean Airlines

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DW B747-200 Peoplexpress

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PH B747-200 Philippine Airlines

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PL B747-200 Qantas Airways (VH-ECC)

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PH B747-200 SAS

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PH B747-200 Swissair (HB-IGA)

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PH B747-200 UTA Aeromaritime

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PH B747-200F UTA Cargo

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Historical Context: Fixing the Original's Flaws

The original jumbo (B747-100) was revolutionary but underpowered. The early Pratt & Whitney engines struggled to lift the massive airframe, especially on hot days or at high-altitude airports. Furthermore, if a 747-100 was fully loaded with passengers and cargo, its range was restricted—it often couldn't fly true transpacific routes non-stop.

Airlines immediately demanded a version with better "legs" and lifting power & Boeing responded with the 747-200.

Key Improvements (The "Under the Hood" Differences)

The primary differences between the -100 and the -200 were structural and mechanical rather than visual.

1. Engine Power and Choice

This was the most significant upgrade. The 747-200 was designed to accept much more powerful engines. While the initial -200s used improved Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, Boeing soon offered options from other manufacturers.
For the first time, airlines could choose General Electric (CF6) or Rolls-Royce (RB211) engines. These newer engines provided significantly more thrust, better fuel efficiency, and vastly improved reliability compared to the early -100 engines.

2. Increased Weights and Range

To handle the power and carry more, the wing structure, fuselage, and landing gear were strengthened. Additional fuel tanks were installed in the wings.

The Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) increased significantly, allowing the plane to carry full passenger loads plus significant belly cargo.

The Range increased to roughly 5,000–6,500 nautical miles (depending on the specific sub-variant and engines), making it a true intercontinental airliner.

3. The Cockpit

Like the -100, the 747-200 featured a "classic" analog cockpit cluttered with dials and steam gauges. It retained the requirement for a three-person flight crew: Captain, First Officer, and Flight Engineer.

Visual Characteristics: How to Spot One

Distinguishing a 747-200 from a 747-100 visually is very difficult for the casual observer, as they share the same external dimensions.

The Short Hump: Like the -100, the standard -200 features the iconic short upper deck hump.

Upper Deck Windows: This is the primary (though not foolproof) telltale sign. Most early -100s had only 3 windows on the upper deck. Most standard -200s were delivered with 10 windows on each side of the upper deck. (However, many -100s were later retrofitted with 10 windows, making this tricky).

Note on exceptions: A very small number of late-model 747-200s were built with the "Stretched Upper Deck" (SUD) usually found on the later 747-300 and -400, further confusing identification.

Key Variants: A Versatile Platform

The improved capabilities of the -200 made it highly adaptable, leading to several important sub-variants:

747-200B: The standard passenger configuration.

747-200F (Freighter): A dedicated cargo version featuring a hinged nose cone that flipped upward to allow massive items to be loaded straight onto the main deck. The -200F remained a vital part of global cargo fleets long after the passenger versions retired.

747-200M (Combi): A compromise aircraft featuring a movable partition on the main deck. It carried passengers in the front section and cargo in the rear section, with a large cargo door on the side of the rear fuselage.

The Most Famous 747-200s: Air Force One

The most recognized 747-200s in existence are the two aircraft that serve as Air Force One (military designation VC-25A).

Though highly modified with secure communications equipment, aerial refueling capability, and self-defense systems, the presidential aircraft used by Presidents George H.W. Bush through Joe Biden are fundamentally Boeing 747-200B airframes built in the late 1980s.