The Convair 880 was one of the fastest airliners ever built. It was far faster than a 707. (And far faster than any passenger jets flying today, as well!) Most jets operate about .8 mach, but I think the 880 would go up to .9 with no problems. Convair spent a huge engineering effort to get the maximum speed out of it, while controlling compressibility effects.
I need to go back and find the articles on it. Too bad it didn't sell as well as the 707. Thanks for posting the added info........I bet your dad has some really good stories to tell.
Check out the 990 while you're at it!!
