Summary Boeing's 747 has undergone various modifications over its long production history, including being used as a cargo freighter, military aircraft, and presidential transport. The Boeing 747 Dreamlifter is a large cargo freighter used to transport aircraft components, while the VC-25 is a military version equipped with presidential amenities and defense systems. The Pratt & Whitney Testbed and Shuttle Carrier Aircraft are also notable modifications of the Boeing 747, used for engine testing and transporting space shuttles, respectively.
Often dubbed as the 'Queen of the Skies,' the iconic Boeing 747 began production over five decades ago before the final 747 was delivered in January 2023. Over the course of its production run, more than 1,500 747s were built, and within that time, the jumbo jet has undergone several variations and modifications. Besides being a passenger aircraft, the Boeing 747 has also been used as an air cargo freighter, military aircraft, scientific research aircraft, space and rocket shuttles, and presidential transport vehicles, to name a few.
While so many unique examples exist, here's a short list of our top five favorites in no particular order. 1 Dreamlifter The Boeing 747 Dreamlifter , otherwise known as the Boeng 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter, is an enormous modified widebody cargo aircraft. Boeing's Dreamlifter has an impressive capacity volume of up to 1,840 cubic meters, allowing it to carry nearly three times more cargo than the typical 7.