THIS IS WHY BOEING JETS START WITH THE NUMBER 7

If you’re traveling aboard a U.S. carrier, the odds are pretty good that your flight will be aboard something that begins with the number seven.
The differences between Boeing’s fleet — a new iteration of a 737, anenormous 747-8, or a futuristic 777 Dreamliner — are quite dramatic, even as their names remain awfully similar. But what do all of those sevens mean anyway?

Common myths and misconceptions about Boeing’s iconic numeric names include the original 707 either drawing its name from the sine of the wing sweep’s angle or just plain old affinity for lucky number seven. Both of these theories are wrong though, and Boeing’s jets don’t actually even possess that particular wing sweep angle. The true reason can’t be wrapped up in such a perfect little answer; it requires a look back at Boeing’s past.

The company didn’t always produce 7_7 vehicles. Early Boeing products had names like the Model 40, Model 80, Model 247, and eventually the Model 307 Stratoliner and Model 377 Stratocruiser. Its military offerings were designated by the letter B at the start of their name, like in the case of the B-17 and B-52.

But in the aftermath of World War II, Boeing President William Allen set about on an ambitious restructuring of the company,dividing each new department by three-digit numbers. The 300 and 400 departments continued to focus on the company’s propeller aircraft offerings, while 500 came to denote the part of the company focused on turbine engine development. The 600s were reserved for rocket and missile product. And finally, the burgeoning jet transport aircraft division of the company was assigned the number 700.

As the company prepared its Model 700 jet for commercial sales, Boeing’s marketing department swept in and rightfully suggested that the name didn’t exactly roll of the tongue. Instead, the 700 was rechristened the alliterative 707. Soon came the 717, with subsequent decades bringing with them the 727, 737, 747, and so on up to today’s 787 Dreamliner.

The humble origin story may lack the zip and punch of some of the myths out there, but the truth of the matter is less important than the fact that a singular marketing suggestion resulted in one of the world’s most recognizable brands of all time. And there you have it!

(Culled from airwaysnews.com)