de Havilland DH-106 Comet 4

The refined jetliner that restored confidence in early commercial jets.

Overview

de Havilland United Kingdom 1952–1964 $350,000 (1952)

The de Havilland Comet 4 was a later and improved version of the world’s first commercial jet airliner. Developed after structural redesigns, it reentered service in the late 1950s. The aircraft marked a return to jet operations for British airlines.

Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Rolls-Royce Avon Mk 524 turbojets
Engine type
Jet
Thrust
4 × 10,500 lbf · 47 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
81 economy · 81 business · 56 first
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
111 ft 7 in  ·  34.00 m
Tail height
29 ft 6 in  ·  8.99 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
114 ft 10 in  ·  35.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
162,000 lb  ·  73,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
24,100 lb  ·  10,900 kg
Fuel capacity
10,450 gal · 39,500 L · 31,600 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
486 kt  ·  559 mph  ·  900 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
2,802 nm  ·  3,220 mi  ·  5,190 km
Fuel burn
0.31 nm/gal  ·  0.15 km/L
Ceiling
42,000 ft  ·  12,800 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
7,500 ft  ·  2,290 m
Landing distance
—
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BEA De Havilland DH-106 Comet 4B.

Operational Context

de Havilland DH-106 Comet 4 — long-range jet airliner

The Comet 4 first flew in 1958 following extensive structural reinforcement and redesign after earlier Comet accidents. It incorporated strengthened fuselage construction and revised window design. The aircraft entered service with BOAC in 1958 on transatlantic routes.

Powered by four Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines producing approximately 10,500 pounds of thrust (47 kN) each, the Comet 4 cruised at around 460 knots (850 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was roughly 156,000 pounds (70,760 kg). Passenger capacity typically ranged from 70 to 90.

The Comet 4 restored confidence in jet travel and helped establish regular long-haul jet service. Although later overshadowed by larger American competitors, it played a pivotal role in early jetliner development. The aircraft remains a milestone in aviation history.