The Boeing 747 is an icon of the jet age, a giant aircraft that democratized air travel for the masses and shrank the world throughout the latter 20th century. The final 747 was delivered to Atlas Air in January 2023 after a 54-year production run, with 1,574 aircraft built. 

More than 200 of those aircraft remain in service as cargo carriers, and around 50 are still flying passengers today. Lufthansa is the world’s largest passenger operator of the type, while Atlas Air flies the largest fleet of freighters.

But not all Boeing 747s had such straightforward careers. The huge airframe, generous range, and extensive customization options made the 747 perfectly suited to unique and unusual missions. Many ended up in interesting configurations, and several were placed into interesting roles throughout their life. 

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