The Boeing 747SP was the shortened, lighter Boeing 747 variant designed for greater range.
The “SP” designation means “Special Performance.” Boeing shortened the 747’s fuselage by more than 14 feet compared with the 747-100, reducing weight and allowing the aircraft to carry less payload over much longer distances. The revised design also used a taller vertical tail and modified control surfaces to preserve handling characteristics.
Boeing developed the 747SP partly in response to requests from Pan American World Airways and Iran Air. The aircraft first flew in 1975 and entered airline service with Pan Am in 1976. Only 45 were built, making it one of the rarest production 747 variants.
The 747SP is often confused with the 747-200 or 747-400 because all share the familiar hump-backed layout. Its distinctive short fuselage, however, makes it easy to identify. Several examples were later converted for research, observatory, or government roles.