JW411 -
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The 720B was a race horse... Could do FL370/390 probably full gross.
That was only 234,000 lbs max takeoff. The 707-100s were 258,000 gross.
Empty operating was probably more than 25,000 lbs lighter than -100.
I recall sea level runway required full gross 720B was about 8,000 feet.
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TWA was under Howard Hughes, was his idea for the CV880.
And American got a few CV990. Both were fast, very fast. Mach .88 cruise.
Normal cruise for 707/720 in early days was .84 in cheap fuel days.
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CV880/990 had nice 5-abreast seating in economy seating.
But small capacity - CV880 maybe 110 pax, CV990 normally 120 seats.
Spantax with their CV990 could not exceed 139Y seats.
720 was certificated for 149Y seats, or 165Y seats with extra overwing exits.
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Somebody once said "The 720 - was the original SP..."
Happy contrails