America entered the era of jet transportation on July 15, 1954, when the Boeing ''Dash 80'' prototype for both the KC-135 military tanker and the Model 707 commercial jet transport made its maiden flight from Renton Field, Washington. The 144-foot-long Model 707 jet followed the KC-135 Stratotanker into production. Boeing custom-designed the 707 jets to meet a variety of airline requirements, including the 9-foot-shorter 720 jet for short to medium routes. The long-range 707-320 intercontinental transport was most ordered and also was modified as the first ''Air Force One'' presidential aircraft, as well as for the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and the E-6 submarine communications system.