Boeing 727

The Boeing 727 made its first flight on February 9, 1963. The three-engine jetliner, with all of its engines clustered at the rear of the fuselage and a distinctive T-tail, was designed to serve shorter routes and operate from smaller airports than the larger 707.

A key to its success was a sophisticated set of high-lift devices, including triple-slotted trailing-edge flaps and leading-edge slats, that allowed the 727 to use comparatively short runways previously served only by piston-engine airliners. This let airlines bring jet speed and comfort to a much wider range of airports.

More than 1,800 were built, making the 727 the best-selling jetliner of its era and a mainstay of airline fleets around the world for decades. Its commercial success helped solidify Boeing's dominance of the jet airliner market.