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Boeing 747-8

 
Wikipedia: Boeing 747-8
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Boeing 747-8
Lufthansa is the launch customer for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. The airline and several VIP customers have ordered the 747-8I.
Role Wide-body jet airliner
Manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Status Development/early production[1]
Unit cost 747-8I: US$293-308 million[2]
747-8F: US$301.5-304.5 million[2]
Developed from Boeing 747-400

The Boeing 747-8 is a widebody commercial airliner being developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the latest evolutionary variant of the Boeing 747, with lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings and improved efficiency. As of 2009, the first 747-8 freighter is due to be delivered in 3rd quarter 2010, with the passenger model scheduled for 2011.[3][4]

Contents

Development

Background

Main article: Boeing 747

In 2000, Boeing offered the 747X and 747X Stretch derivatives as alternatives to the Airbus A3XX. This was a more modest proposal than the previous -500X and -600X. It would increase the 747's wingspan to 229 ft (69.8 m) by adding a segment at the root.[5] The 747X was to carry 430 passengers up to 8,700 nmi (16,100 km). The 747X Stretch would be extended to 263 ft (80.2 m) long, allowing it to carry 500 passengers up to 7,800 nmi (14,400 km).[5] However, the 747X family was unable to attract enough interest to enter production. Some of the ideas developed for the 747X were used on the 747-400ER.[6]

After the 747X program, Boeing continued to study improvements to the 747. The 747-400XQLR (Quiet Long Range) was meant to have an increased range of 7,980 nmi (14,780 km), with better fuel efficiency and reduced noise.[7] Changes studied included raked wingtips similar to those used on the 767-400ER and a sawtooth engine nacelle for noise reduction.[8] Although the 747-400XQLR did not move to production, many of its features were used for the 747 Advanced.

In early 2004, Boeing announced tentative plans for the 747 Advanced that were eventually adopted. Similar in nature to the 747-X, the stretched 747 Advanced used technology from the 787 to modernize the design and its systems.[9]

747-8

On November 14, 2005, Boeing announced that it was launching the 747 Advanced as the "Boeing 747-8".[10] This will be the first lengthened 747 to go in to production. The 747-8 and 747SP are the only 747 variants with a fuselage of modified length.

Artist's rendering of the passenger 747-8 Intercontinental. The 747-8I is stretched in two bands shown.

The 747-8 will use the same engine and cockpit technology as that of the 787. Boeing says that the new design will be quieter, more economical, and more environmentally friendly than previous versions of the 747. As a derivative of the already-common 747-400, the 747-8 has the economic benefit of similar training and interchangeable parts.

The 747-8, as the current new development of Boeing's largest airliner, is notably in direct competition on long-haul routes with the Airbus A380, a full-length double-deck aircraft now in service. For airlines seeking very large passenger airliners, the two have been pitched as competitors on various occasions.

Production of the first 747-8 Freighter began in Everett in early August 2008.[1] On November 14, 2008, Boeing announced a delay to the 747-8 program, citing limited availability of engineering resources within Boeing, design changes, and the recent strike by factory workers. Delivery of the first 747-8 Freighter was rescheduled from late 2009 to the third quarter of 2010. The first 747-8 Intercontinental passenger jet delivery was rescheduled from late 2010 to the second quarter of 2011.[11] On July 21, 2009, Boeing released a photograph of the first cargo airplane, its fuselage and main wing assembled.[12]

As of February 2009, only one airline customer (Lufthansa) has ordered the 747-8I passenger model, and Boeing announced it was reassessing the 747-8 project. Chief executive Jim McNerney stated that continuation of the project was not a foregone conclusion. The company was assessing various options.[13][14]

In October 2009, Boeing announced that it had delayed first flight on the 747-8 until first quarter 2010 and delayed 747-8I delivery. The company took a $1 billion charge for this delay.[15][16] In response, launch customer Cargolux told the Wall Street Journal it still intended to take delivery of the thirteen freighters it had ordered; Lufthansa confirmed its commitment to the passenger version.[17] On November 12, 2009, Boeing announced that Cargolux's first airplane was fully assembled and entering the Everett plant's paint shop. It will undergo flight testing prior to delivery.[18]

Design

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, and, as of 2006, both will feature a fuselage stretch of 18.3 ft (5.6 m) over the 747-400, bringing the total length to 250 ft 2½ in (76.264 m). The 747-8 will be the world's longest passenger airliner, surpassing the Airbus A340-600 by 3.6 ft (1.1 m). With a maximum take-off weight of 975,000 lb (442,000 kg),[19] the 747-8 will be the heaviest aircraft, commercial or military, manufactured in the United States.[20]

Artist's rendering of the Boeing 747-8F. The 747-8 is stretched in two bands for a total extension of 18.3 ft (5.6 m) over the 747-400.

Compared to the 747-400, the main technical changes will be on the wing of the aircraft, which will undergo a complete design overhaul. The sweep and basic structure will be kept to contain costs, but the wing will be thicker and deeper, with the aerodynamics recalculated. The pressure distribution and bending moments will be different, with the new wing for the passenger version being planned to hold 64,225 US gal (243,120 L) of jet fuel, and the cargo aircraft 60,925 US gal (230,630 L).[19] The new wing will have single-slotted outboard flaps and double-slotted inboard flaps.[21] Raked wingtips, similar to the ones used on the 777-200LR, and 777-300ER models, are used on the new 747 variant instead of winglets used on the 747-400.[22][23] These wingtip structures help reduce the wingtip vortices at the lateral edges of the wings, decreasing wake turbulence and drag, and thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

The extra fuel capacity in the redesigned wing compared to the 747-400 obviates the need to radically change the horizontal tail unit to accommodate auxiliary tanks, further saving costs.[24] Nonetheless, the vertical tail unit will be raised slightly to 64 feet 2 inches (19.56 m) on the 747-8.[19] Some carbon fiber-reinforced plastic will be part of the 747-8's airframe to reduce weight. However, structural changes will mostly be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary with respect to the 747-400.

The General Electric GEnx, which is one of the two powerplant choices currently offered for the Boeing 787, will be the only engine available for the 747-8. However, the 747 variant will be adapted to provide bleed air for conventional aircraft systems and feature a smaller diameter to fit on the 747 wing. The flight tests of the GEnx 2b engine fitted to a Boeing 747-100 aircraft at the left inner engine began in March 2009.[25]

Variants

747-8 Freighter

The first 747-8 Freighter at the fuel dock of Boeing Everett Plant. Nov 23, 2009.

The 747 has proven to be a very popular freighter, carrying around half of the world's air freight as of 2007.[26] In an effort to maintain this dominant position, Boeing has designed a freight variant of the 747-8, dubbed 747-8 Freighter or 747-8F. 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 18 feet 3½ inches (5.575 m) stretch is just before and just aft of the wing. With a 975,000 lb (442,000 kg) maximum take-off weight, it will have a total payload capability of 308,000 lb (140,000 kg) and a range of 4,390 nmi (8,130 km).[27] Four extra pallet spaces will be created on the main deck, with either two extra containers and two extra pallets, or three extra pallets, on the lower deck.[28]

The 747-8F is expected to achieve a 16% lower ton-mile operating cost than the 747-400F and offer a slightly greater range.[29] The 747-8F will have more payload capacity but less range than the current 747-400ERF. When Boeing launched the -400ERF, all of the 35,000 lb (16,000 kg) increase in MTOW over the 747-400F 875,000–910,000 lb (397,000–413,000 kg)) allowed airlines to take off with more fuel, burn it during flight, and land at the same weight as the regular 747-400F. This increased the range of the 747-400ERF compared to the 747-400F. Cargo carriers often move machinery or indivisible loads that require a plane with a higher payload and landing capability. As is common with cargo planes, range is given with maximum payload, not fuel. The 747-8's 65,000 lb (29,000 kg) MTOW increase has been directed exclusively to its Zero-Fuel weight or payload capacity. If taking off at maximum payload, the 747-8 takes off with its tanks not full. On trips where the payload is not at maximum, the plane can take on more fuel and extend its range.

Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines launched the 747-8 with orders for the 747-8F on November 14, 2005.[10]

747-8 Intercontinental

The passenger version, dubbed 747-8 Intercontinental or 747-8I, will be capable of carrying up to 467 passengers in a 3-class configuration over 8,000 nmi (15,000 km) at Mach 0.855. The 747-8I will carry 51 more passengers and two more freight pallets with 26% more cargo volume than the 747-400.[29] Despite initial plans for a shorter stretch than the freighter model, the two variants will be the same length, increasing passenger capacity and allowing easier modification of the 747-8I to freighter use.[30] The upper deck will be lengthened on the -8I.[31] New engine technology and aerodynamic modifications will allow longer range.

For the 747-8, Boeing has proposed some changes to the interior layout of the aircraft. Most noticeable will be the curved stairway to the upper deck and a more spacious main passenger entrance.[32] The 747-8's main cabin uses an interior similar to that of the 787. Overhead bins are curved, and the center row is designed to look as though it is attached to the curved ceiling, rather than integrated into the ceiling's curve like on the 777. The windows will also be of similar size to the type used on the 777, which are 8% larger than those on the current 747-400s. The 747-8 will feature a new solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system, which can create moods lighting.[31] LED technology also offers improved reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Further down the aircraft, it has been proposed to place cabin-accessible facilities in the "crown" area (the space above the passenger cabin, currently used for air-conditioning ducts and wiring). The wiring and ducts will be moved to the side to create extra space; as a consequence, they will not have windows. This added space can be used for galleys and crew rest areas, freeing up main deck space for additional passenger seating. During the initial 747-8 marketing phase, Boeing also proposed creating a revenue-generating "SkyLoft" passenger facility in the crown space. This facility would include "SkySuites," small individual compartments with sliding doors or curtains, featuring beds, seating, and entertainment or business equipment. A common lounge area could also be provided. Boeing also proposed smaller, more modest "SkyBunks". Access to the crown area would be via a separate stairway at the rear of the aircraft. Passengers using the SkySuites, sold at a premium price, would sit in regular economy class seats for take-off and landing, and move to the crown area during flight. However, pricing feasibility studies found the SkyLoft concept difficult to justify. In 2007, Boeing dropped the SkyLoft concept in favor of upper-deck galley storage options, which were favored by the airlines.[33]

Lufthansa launched the 747-8 Intercontinental on December 6, 2006, becoming the first airline to order the variant.[34] Though VIP orders have been placed, Lufthansa will receive the first 747-8Is off the production line. Lufthansa is the only airline to order the -8I as of 2009. However, Boeing announced on July 15, 2008, at the Farnborough Airshow, Arik Air's intention to purchase the type,[35] though that order is yet to be confirmed.

Presidential aircraft replacement

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to upgrade Air Force One by replacing the Boeing VC-25 (2 heavily modified 747-200Bs).[36] Boeing is reported to be exploring a 747-8 proposal, along with a Boeing 787 variant.[37]

Orders and deliveries

A total of 105 orders have been received with 78 for 747-8F and 27 for 747-8I as of 2009.[38]

Date Flag Customer EIS 747‑8I 747‑8F Total Options Notes
02005-11-15 November 15, 2005 Luxembourg Cargolux [1] 2009 10 10 (10) Launch customer for 747-8 Freighter (10 purchase rights, not options)
02005-11-15 November 15, 2005 Japan Nippon Cargo Airlines [2] 2009 8 8 6 Launch customer for 747-8 Freighter
02006-05-30 May 30, 2006 United States Boeing Business Jet [3] 2010 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02006-09-11 September 11, 2006 United States Atlas Air [4] 2010 12 12 14
02006-09-29 September 29, 2006 United States Boeing Business Jet [5] 2010 2 2 Unidentified VIP Order
02006-10-09 October 9, 2006 United Arab Emirates Emirates SkyCargo [6] 2010 10 10
02006-11-06 November 6, 2006 United States Boeing Business Jet 2010 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02006-11-30 November 30, 2006 United States Guggenheim Aviation Partners [7] 2009 4 4 2
02006-12-06 December 6, 2006 Germany Lufthansa [8][9] 2010 20 20 20 Launch customer for 747-8 Intercontinental
02006-12-28 December 28, 2006 South Korea Korean Air Cargo [10] 2010 5 5
02007-03-09 March 9, 2007 Japan Nippon Cargo Airlines [11] 6 6
02007-03-12 March 12, 2007 Russia Volga-Dnepr [12] 5 5 (5) Subsidiary AirBridge Cargo will operate the airplanes. (5 purchase rights)
02007-03-19 March 19, 2007 Luxembourg Cargolux [13] 2009 3 3 2
02007-07-10 July 10, 2007 United States Boeing Business Jet 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02007-11-08 November 8, 2007 Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Airways [14] 2009 10 10 (14)
02007-11-12 November 12, 2007 United Arab Emirates Dubai Aerospace Enterprise [15] 2011 5 5
02008-01-08 January 8, 2008 United States Boeing Business Jet [16] 2010 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02008-04-16 April 16, 2008 United States Boeing Business Jet 2012 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02008-07-15 July 15, 2008 Nigeria Arik Air [17][18] 2012 (4) Letter of Intent, not a confirmed order.
02008-09-24 September 24, 2008 United States Boeing Business Jet [19] 1 1 Unidentified VIP Order
02009-04-24 April 24, 2009 Unknown [20] -1 -1
Totals 9 11 27 78 105 44 (37)

Marketing and sales performance

The freighter version of the 747-8 has attracted many cargo airlines due to the benefit of similar training and interchangeable parts with the Boeing 747-400. In addition, the Boeing 747 has a long history of being a proven cargo aircraft and is still the plane of choice for many cargo airlines due to its long range and large cargo capacity.[39]

In contrast to the freighter version, the passenger version of the 747-8 has not seen as much success. To date, the sole confirmed order for the 747-8I by an airline is from the launch customer Lufthansa. The only other carrier that has demonstrated interest in ordering the aircraft is Nigeria's Arik Air, but this is only a letter of intent and not a firmed order. Other airlines including Emirates and British Airways considered ordering the 747-8 Intercontinental but instead opted to purchase the Airbus A380.[40][41][42][43] In addition to the initial order by Lufthansa, there are 7 VIP orders for the 747-8I by various customers. Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Jim McNerney acknowledged in a conference call to Boeing's investors on April 23, 2008 that he would like to see more orders for the passenger version of the 747-8.[44]

Specifications

A size comparison of four of the largest aircraft.
747-8I 747-8F
Cockpit crew Two
Seating capacity 467 (3-class) N/A
Length 250 ft 8 in (76.40 m)
Wingspan 224 ft 7 in (68.45 m)
Height 64 ft 2 in (19.56 m)
Cabin width 20.1 ft (6.1 m)
Empty weight 472,900 lb (214,500 kg) 421,200 lb (191,100 kg)
Maximum zero fuel weight 642,000 lb (291,000 kg) 717,000 lb (325,000 kg)
Maximum take-off weight 975,000 lb (442,000 kg)
Cruising speed
at 35,000 feet		 Mach 0.855
(570 mph, 495 kn, 917 km/h)		 Mach 0.845
(564 mph, 490 kn, 908 km/h)
Maximum speed
at 35,000 ft		 Mach 0.92 (614 mph, 533 kn, 988 km/h)
Range fully loaded 8,000 nmi (15,000 km) 4,475 nmi (8,288 km)
Cargo capacity 5,705 cu ft (161.5 m3) 30,177 cu ft (854.5 m3)
Service ceiling 43,000 ft (13,000 m)
Engines (4x) GEnx-2B67
Thrust (4x) 66,500 lbf (296 kN)

Sources: 747 specifications,[45] 747-8 Specifications,[19] 747-8 Airport Compatibility Brochure,[46] Flight Global[47]

See also

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b Dunlop, Michelle. "Boeing: Getting 747-8 and 777 ready for production", Heraldnet.com, 25 August 2008.
  2. ^ a b Boeing Commercial Airplanes prices. Boeing. Retrieved on 13 April 2009.
  3. ^ "Boeing announces delay in delivery of 747-8". The Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/boeingaerospace/2008393300_boedelays15.html. Retrieved 17 February 2009. 
  4. ^ http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/06/12/327776/atlas-seeks-compensation-for-747-8f-delays.html
  5. ^ a b "Boeing 747 Celebrates 30 Years In Service", Boeing, 2 September 1996.
  6. ^ "Boeing Launches New, Longer-Range 747-400", Boeing, November 28, 2000.
  7. ^ "Boeing Offers New 747-400X Quiet Longer Range Jetliner", Boeing, February 26, 2002.
  8. ^ Steinke, Sebastian. "Boeing Proposes 747-400X Quiet Longer Range". Flug Revue Online, May 2002.
  9. ^ "Boeing 747, the 'Queen of the Skies,' Celebrates 35th Anniversary". Boeing, February 9, 2004.
  10. ^ a b "Boeing Launches New 747-8 Family". Boeing. November 14, 2005. http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2005/q4/nr_051114h.html. Retrieved December 17, 2007. 
  11. ^ "Boeing Adjusts 747-8 Program Production and Delivery Schedule". Boeing, 14 November 2008.
  12. ^ "First Boeing 747-8 Freighter Takes Shape". Boeing, July 21, 2009.
  13. ^ "Boeing hints at possible reassement of 747-8 programme". Flight International. January 31, 2009. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/01/31/321900/boeing-hints-at-possible-reassement-of-747-8-programme.html. Retrieved February 1, 2009. 
  14. ^ "Boeing replaces head of 747-8 program". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. February 24, 2009. http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/401337_boeing25.html. Retrieved February 25, 2009. 
  15. ^ http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article6863833.ece
  16. ^ http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ayDjY2cqCMNs
  17. ^ Boeing Settles In for a Bumpy Ride, Wall Street Journal, Marketplace Section, October 7, 2009, p.B1
  18. ^ Boeing Press Release, November 12, 2009
  19. ^ a b c d Boeing 747-8 Technical Specifications. Boeing. Accessed: November 11, 2007.
  20. ^ See US aircraft (Boeing planes and Lockheed C-5) in MTOW list at: "Ask Us - Largest Plane in the World". Aerospaceweb.org, November 11, 2005.
  21. ^ Steinke, Sebastian. "Boeing stretches 747-8I". Flug Revue, January 2007.
  22. ^ Thomas, Geoffrey. "A Timely Stretch". Air Transport World, December 2005.
  23. ^ "Flightdeck, wing and engines key to design". Flight International, November 22, 2005.
  24. ^ Steinke, Sebastian (January 2006). "BOEING LAUNCHES 747-8". FLUG REVUE. http://www.flug-revue.rotor.com/FRHeft/FRHeft06/FRH0601/FR0601f.htm. 
  25. ^ "GEnx-2B Flight Tests Begin". Aviation Today, March 26, 2009.
  26. ^ "Boeing 747-400 Freighter Family: The World's Best Freighters." Boeing.
  27. ^ Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter. Boeing.
  28. ^ "First Boeing 747-8 Freighter Takes Shape". Boeing, July 21, 2009.
  29. ^ a b Boeing 747-8 Family background. Boeing.
  30. ^ Added revenue, Randy Baseler, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Marketing
  31. ^ a b Wallace, James. "Aerospace Notebook: Take a sneak peek inside a 747-8". Seattle Post-Intelligencer, December 14, 2005.
  32. ^ Terdiman, Daniel. "From Boeing, a whole new 747". CNET news, January 19, 2007.
  33. ^ Kingsley-Jones, Max; Norris, Guy (April 17, 2007). "Space race: next-generation cabins". Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/04/17/213230/space-race-the-battle-between-airbus-and-boeing-to-produce-the-best-next-generation.html. Retrieved April 19, 2007. 
  34. ^ "Boeing, Lufthansa Announce Order for 747-8 Intercontinental". Boeing
  35. ^ "Arik Air Announces Intent to Purchase the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental". Boeing, July 15, 2008.
  36. ^ "US considers Airbus A380 as Air Force One and potentially a C-5 replacement". Flight Global, 17 October 2007.
  37. ^ Butler, Amy. "Boeing Only Contender for New Air Force One". Aviation Week, January 28, 2009. Retrieved: January 28, 2009.
  38. ^ Boeing 747 Order & Deliveries summary page. Boeing, August 2009.
  39. ^ Boeing: Boeing 747-400 Freighter Family: The World's Best Freighters
  40. ^ Bloomberg News 3rd November 2006
  41. ^ Vanguard October 16th 2006
  42. ^ "BA opts for A380 and Dreamliner". BBC News Online (BBC). 2007-09-27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7015621.stm. Retrieved 2007-09-27. 
  43. ^ Boeing close to 747-8I order from Emirates: report
  44. ^ "More 747-8 Intercontinental sales?". Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle PI). 2008-04-23. http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/aerospace/archives/137209.asp. Retrieved 2008-04-23. 
  45. ^ "747 specifications". Boeing. Retrieved 5 May 2009.
  46. ^ 747-8 Airport Compatibility Brochure, Boeing, January 2008.
  47. ^ http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/21/329932/boeing-reveals-full-length-747-8.html

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