The 747-8 is a development of the Boeing 747, which takes advantage of improvements in technology and aerodynamics. The two variants of the 747-8 were launched in 2005.
The 747-8F will be the initial model to see entry into service (EIS). As on the 747-400F, the upper deck is shorter than passenger models. The fuselage of the airplane is stretched 5.6 m (18.3 ft) compared to the 747-400 .
Developing nation: USA
Manufacturer/designer: Boeing Aircraft Company
Production lines: Everett Facility, Paine Field, WA
First flight: February 8, 2010
Certification: August 19, 2011
First delivery: September 2011 to CargoLux
The 747-8 Freighter will be 5.6 m (18.3 ft) longer than the 747-400 freighter. With a total payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons), including tare weight, the 747-8F provides 16 percent more cargo revenue volume than the -400. The additional 1,17m (4,124 ft) from the longer fuselage offers space for four additional main-deck pallets, two additional lower-hold pallets and two additional lower-hold containers. Cargo can be loaded and unloaded on the 747-8F using both the nose and side doors for maximum speed and efficiency.
The 747-8 Freighter complements the existing 747-400 freighter family, which is the air-cargo industry’s standard. Both models accommodate 3.1-meter (10-foot) high pallets, providing operators with maximum flexibility.
On February 8, 2010, after a 2.5-hour weather delay, the 747-8 Freighter made its maiden flight, taking off from Paine Field, Washington at 12:39 PST and landed at 4:18 pm PST.
Launch custommer Cargolux, based in Luxembourg, has ordered 10 747-8 Freighters and will take delivery of the first 747-8F in third-quarter 2011. It also holds purchase rights for 10 additional airplanes. Cargolux currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 13 747-400 freighters.
General characteristics
- Cockpit crew: 2
- Seating capacity:
- Length: 250 ft 2 in (76.25 m)
- Wingspan: 224 ft 7 in (68.45 m)
- Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.35 m)
- Cabin width: 20.1 ft (6.1 m)
- Wing area:
- Empty weight: 421,200 lb (191,100 kg)
- Max payload: 295,800 lb (134,200 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 975,000 lb (442,000 kg)
- Max landing weight: 757,000 lb (343,000 kg)
- Maximum fuel capacity: 60,755 US gallons (229,980 l)
- Powerplant: 4x General Electric GEnx-2B67, 66,500 lbf (296 kN)
Performance
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.845 (564 mph, 490 kn, 908 km/h)
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.92 (614 mph, 533 kn, 988 km/h)
- Range: (full load) 4,475 nmi (8,288 km) with 295,800 lb (134,200 kg) payload
- Service ceiling: 43,000 ft (13,000 m)
All photos courtesy of Zijde Aviation Photo and Publishing, Rob Vogelaar and Marcel van Leeuwen
