The Boeing 747 has been in the spotlight for commercial, military, and scientific purposes. I would like to suggest 2 Boeing 747 military aircraft. The YAL-1 anti-ballistic missile laser testbed, and the E-4 Nightwatch Advanced Airborne Command Post.
YAL-1
The YAL-1 was an airborne laser testbed. Its purpose was to be used against anti-ballistic missiles traveling towards the US. It is currently retired, as the short range and operation costs made it ineffective.
STATS (From Wikipedia):
- [Crew]: 6
- [Length]: 70.6 m (231 ft 10 in)
- [Wingspan]: 64.4 m (211 ft 5 in)
- Height: 19.4 m (63 ft 8 in)
- [Max. takeoff weight]: 396,890 kg (875,000 lb)
- [Powerplant]: 4 × General Electric CF6-80C2B5F, 276 kN (62,100 lbf) each
- [Maximum Speed]: Mach 0.92 (630 mph, 1,015 km/h) at 35,000 ft altitude
E-4 Advanced Airborne Command Post “Nightwatch”
The Boeing E-4 is as said, an airborne command post designed to withstand a nuclear EMP from a nuclear strike. It is designed to hold the president, secretary of defense, and all the other National Command Authorities. It is also used by the Secretary of Defense when he is flying out of the country.
STATS (From Wikipedia):
- [Crew]: up to 112
- [Length]: 231 ft 4 in (70.5 m)
- [Wingspan]: 195 ft 8 in (59.7 m)
- [Height]: 63 ft 5 in (19.3 m)
- [Wing area]: 5,500 ft² (510 m²)
- [Empty weight]: 410,000 lb (190,000 kg)
- [Loaded weight]: 800,000 lb (360,000 kg)
- [Max. takeoff weight]: 833,000 lb (374,850 kg)
- [Powerplant]: 4 × General Electric CF]-50E2 turbofans, 52,500 lbf (234 kN) each
- [Maximum Speed]: 523 knots (602 mph, 969 km/h)
Source:Boeing E-4 - Wikipedia
