United Airlines Boeing 747SP Battleship Gray w/Flaps Die-Cast Model

The only “Battleship Gray” 747SP in United Airlines fleet.

Purchased in a deal to buy Pan Am’s entire Pacific operation, United Airlines received all 10 of their 747SP aircraft in 1985. Re-registered N140UA through N150UA, each one would soon be painted in United Airlines colors. Sixth of ten aircraft, N145UA was the only one to receive the striking “Battleship Gray” paint scheme which was introduced in 1993. Nicknamed “Malevolent Skies” in replacement of the former “Clipper Lindbergh” title received at Pan Am, the aircraft flew to destinations such as Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, and London. Retired after just one decade of use, N145UA was temporarily placed in storage in 1997 before it was acquired by NASA for their SOFIA telescope project.

Features:

• Authentic paint scheme, engraved panel lines, printed decals, antennas, and surface details
• Unique extended flaps and slats in landing configuration
• Deployed or retracted landing gear
• Included display stand
• Measures 11.5”l with a 12” wingspan at 1:200 scale
• Officially licensed

History and Specifications:
Specially requested by Pan American Airlines, Boeing’s 747SP variant was designed to carry smaller numbers of passengers over greater distances. Redesigned with just 276 seats onboard, the fuselage was shortened by 47ft, while retaining the upper deck in the front fuselage. Necessary to maintain stability with a shorter length, the vertical stabilizer was extended 5ft and equipped with a double-hinged rudder flap. Completed in 1975, it had 7,500 miles of non-stop range, with a 680-mph top speed. Active with more than 50 airlines, including some still active as of 2025, just 45 examples of the 747SP were ever manufactured.