Boeing SST

The Boeing 2707 stemmed from President Kennedy's June 1963 call for a supersonic transport (SST) to compete with the Anglo-French Concorde. Unlike Concorde and the Soviet Tu-144, the US SST was to be made largely of titanium, making it capable of Mach 3. In 1966 Boeing's variable-geometry (swing-wing) Model 2707 was chosen over proposals from Lockheed and North American. Boeing built an impressive full-scale mockup and estimated future sales of 700 - 1000 SSTs. The technical challenges of a Mach 3 SST were greater than faced by its slower, smaller rivals.

The variable-geometry idea was abandoned in 1968 and a smaller fixed-wing version was planned, with test flights planned for 1970 and commercial service in 1974. Two prototypes were begun, but in 1971 the SST programme was cancelled. Increasing oil prices and environmental concerns were the excuses.

FACTS AND FIGURES

© The cabin of the full-scale mock-up had room for 277 seats - 30 first class and 247 tourist in a seven-abreast layout.

© The Anglo-French and Soviet SSTs were only Mach 2 capable because speeds above Mach 2.7 required much greater use of heavy and expensive steel alloys and titanium to withstand frictional heating.

© The 2707 was to have an 18-wheel undercarriage, with the main wheels grouped in four bogies with four wheels each, arranged to spread the great weight and not overstress the runway.

© The swing-wing version could sweep its wings between 20 and 72 degrees. Minimum sweep gave better take-off and landing performance.

Boeing SST on YOUTUBE