The Story of Boeing's Five-Engine 747 Flying Testbed
Boeing operates a specially modified Boeing 747SP as a versatile flying engine testbed. This unique aircraft is equipped with a fifth pylon on its fuselage, allowing it to mount and test new engine designs in actual flight conditions. Over its long career, the aircraft has been instrumental in the development programs for various powerplants, including those for the 777 and 787 Dreamliner. Notably, it has been used to test Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines, the same series that powers the Boeing 757. This platform provides engineers with crucial real-world performance data on new engines before they are certified for commercial service.
Official Source: https://simpleflying.com/true-boeing-boeing-747-powered-by-757-engines/
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