There's a Boeing 747 that has a bizarre fifth engine on it and this is why it's vitally important
Published on Feb 19, 2026 at 6:09 AM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe
Last updated on Feb 18, 2026 at 10:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Boeing 747 is one of the most well-known planes on the planet, and it’s not hard to see why.
However, one set of 747s is remarkably different from the rest, and the number of engines onboard may surprise.
Known as the Boeing 747SP, the first ever additional engine was located on a stub wing when it first took to the skies nearly 14 years ago.
Two are still in operation, and the planes have a unique look.
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The Boeing 747: What you need to know
Often given the nickname of ‘Queen of the skies’, the 747 is arguably the most popular plane ever created.
It’s been in production for over five decades, with more than 100 customers purchasing in excess of 1,500 aircraft.
Thanks to its popularity, the 747 has been able to log over 188 million flight hours, contributing to almost 23 million flight cycles.
But forget what you’ve heard about the number of engines it usually has, as one company has created a Boeing 747 with a fifth engine, and it has a cardinal purpose.
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The five-engine 747 has a specific purpose
There are actually only two five-engine 747s still in operation, and they hold a mighty significance.
Owned by Pratt and Whitney, the 747 with five engines sent imaginations soaring within the aviation world.
The planes have a striking look and reportedly have starkly different layouts than the traditional Boeing 747s that we’re used to seeing in the sky.
Instead, the planes have work stations that measure the results of the test flights that the planes undertake.
You have to admit, a plane with five engines is a majestic sight, and with these still flying, more engine technology is set to develop in the future, thanks to clever testing.
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Beginning her career as a lifestyle reporter and social-media manager, Grace joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025. Since coming on board, she has thrown herself into the busy daily writing schedule. Her editorial sweet spots include writing about luxury properties and the quirky features inside them that the one percent are investing in, as well as groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.
