The fastest commercial airplane in the sky, the gigantic 747 jet can hold up to 568 passengers. It also has the capability to fly up to 7,670 nautical miles. It is 231 feet 10 inches long, and its tail is taller than a six-story building. Since entering service in 1970, it has been produced in more than 20 versions, including freighters, convertibles, combis and many ''special-use'' models. 747 airplane variants include model 747-100 jets that became Shuttle Carriers, 747-200B jets modified to become Air Force Ones, a 747 jet airframe used for the Advanced Airborne Command Post (E-4), and a 747-400 Freighter used as a platform for the Airborne Laser (ABL). The new longer-range 747-400ER was launched in 2000 and is available in both passenger and freighter versions.