The Jumbo's second generation: higher weights, more fuel and a choice of engines from three manufacturers, finally giving it true intercontinental reach.
The 747-200 first flew on 11 October 1970 and entered service in 1971. It fixed the original -100's main limitation: with higher maximum takeoff weight and more fuel it could fly long intercontinental routes with a full payload.
It was also the first version offered with engines from all three major manufacturers, and the one that consolidated the freighter and convertible variants. Across all -200 versions 393 aircraft were built, and airframes as singular as the American presidential transports were built on its cell.