In collaboration with Aeroplane Heaven, the Microsoft Flight Simulator development team released their newest add-on to their Famous Flyer series of aircraft for MSFS. This new Famous Flyer was first announced during MSFS’s August Developer update. This time, they took on the task of recreating one of the most famous airliners in history: The Boeing 707.
The 707 is the first jetliner developed by the American plane manufacturer Boeing. In the 20th century, this aircraft was used by passenger and military operators. The most important airlines that flew this type of aircraft in the past were PanAm, TWA, and American Airlines. This new add-on brings the 320C version of the 707. This variation is one of the most iconic and produced for this type of aircraft.
The History of This Famous Flyer
During the 1940s, there were big developments in aviation technology. Jet-powered aircraft were beginning to take to the skies. Boeing started to implement this new technology in some of their newer aircraft like the Boeing B-47 and 52. Both these aircraft were for military use, it is so popular that the Boeing B-52 is still in use today. At the same time that Boeing was producing the B-52, they started developing a secret, self-founded project known as “Dash 80”. With similar design elements from the B47 and 52, it was designed for both Military and Passenger operations. Only one Dash 80 was ever created and was used for demonstrations.
After the Dash 80, development for a new airframe based on the Dash 80 began. The 707 was officially born, making its debut in 1957 and introduced to passenger operations one year later. PanAm took the first ever 707 built to service. The first model of the 707 was the -120.
The 707-320C
The aircraft that Microsoft launched for MSFS is the 707-320C. This variation is the final one released by Boeing for this aircraft in the 1960s. The C stands for “Convertible”, meaning this aircraft can handle passenger and cargo operations. It is an improved version of the previous 707-320B.
This aircraft boasts new and improved wings and performance during take-off and landing. It is equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT3D engines and can transport 219 passengers, 13 cargo pellets, or a combination of both. Boeing produced 337 units of the -320C until 1978. Multiple airlines operated this aircraft like Air France, Braniff, and Northwest. This aircraft is no longer in service but it flew during the early 21st century.
Microsoft celebrates the history of this aircraft by bringing it to MSFS as part of their Famous Flyer. This aircraft comes with 6 liveries by the developer:
- PanAm
- Orbit
- World Travel
- Pacifica
- Delivery
- Emerald
This aircraft is now available in the MSFS Marketplace for $14.99. It is available for both PC and Xbox users. If you want to learn more about other aircraft in the Local Flyers lineup, you can read our article regarding the launch of the Famous Flyer 8.
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