Originally Posted by
miniliq
It should have been obvious to me in the context of question 13 -- the name change to Astrojets was made to recognize the modification of the 707 turbojet engine to the quieter 707B (almost at the same time as the introduction of the 720B) with the JT3D-1 fanjet engine, if I have my facts right -- I'm way outside of my passenger knowledge base (I don't know a JTD from a BLT) and may embarrass you aircraft experts. But here's an announcement from AA, that headed me in the right direction:
http://airwaysnews.com/html/memorabi...rd-guide/13438
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Well, I had just submitted a response to quiz number
14 when network connection difficulties wiped out my answer.
However, I believe you are correct,
miniliq! Pratt & Whitney had developed a relatively inexpensive method to upgrade JT3C turbojet engines to JT3D turbofans. American then upgraded not only all of its Boeing 707s to fanjets but all of its Boeing 720 aircraft as well with the conversions being performed in-house at its Tulsa maintenance base. AA also ordered additional turbofan powered 707s and 720Bs along with orders for the Convair 990. So the American "Astrojet" fleet was 100% turbofan powered with AA promoting this development as the "Jet Age: Stage II".