Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation
Boeing Model 727 (USA)
On 5 December 1960 Boeing announced its intention to produce a short/medium-range jet transport designated Boeing 727. A major innovation (compared with this company’s earlier designs) was the choice of a rear-engined ДальшеMore>>>
layout. The upper fuselage section is identical with that of the 707/720 and many parts and systems are interchangeable between the three types.
The first production version was the Model 727-100 powered by three 62.28 kN (14,000 lb st) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 turbofans, with accommodation for up to 131 passengers. It was followed by the 727-100C convertible cargo-passenger; 727-100QC convertible cargo-passenger (using palletised passenger seats and galleys - and advanced cargo loading techniques - to complete conversion from all-passenger to all-cargo configuration in less than half an hour); and 727-100 Business Jet versions. The current production versions are the lengthened 727-200, accommodating 163-189 passengers; Advanced 727-200 with increased fuel capacity, ‘Superjet-look’ interior and an optional large ‘Carry-all’ compartment; and 727-200C convertible version for 137 passengers plus cargo in a mixed configuration.
By August 1978 a total of 1,562 Model 727s had been sold, of which 1,366 had been delivered. The 727 is the only commercial transport aircraft to have exceeded 1,000 sales.
Data (727-200): Engines three 64.5 kN (14,500 lb st) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A turbofans as standard Wing span 32.92 m (108 ft 0 in) Length 46.69 m (153 ft 2 in) Max T-O weight 95,027 kg (209,500 lb) Max cruising speed 964 km/h (599 mph) Range 2,685 - 3,966 km (1,670 - 2,464 miles)
The pilot in command at the time of the VP169 UFO/UAP incident was Capt Gerson Maciel de Britto, seen here in the cockpit of a VASP 727 shortly afterwards. A highly experienced commercial pilot who had accrued numerous hours on piston and jet types, Britto was fully supported by the airline in the wake of the incident.
Britto in the passenger cabin of a VASP 727 after the incident. In an interview with Jornal Nacional, Britto recalled: “I switched on the landing lights several times ... the only thing I could identify as a response was the sharp approach of the object to the point at which the Brasilia radar had detected something eight miles from us”.
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