Boeing 747 aircraft and its technical data. Flight performance compared to competitors

Jumbo Jet, also known as Boeing 747, is a four-engine, wide-body passenger aircraft with two decks for long-distance air routes. The Boeing 747 was the largest passenger aircraft for a long time until the Airbus A380 appeared.

Boeing 747 interior photo

The Boeing 747 program started in 1966. And in January 1970, the first aircraft began to arrive in commercial airlines. When designing a new aircraft, Boeing had to build a new construction hangar near Seattle so that the first model, the Boeing 747-100, could fit there.

Series -100, -200 and -300

The first modification, 747-100, has a length of about 70 meters and a height of 20 meters with a wingspan of 60 meters. Its weight was 162 tons. In order to cover a flight distance of about ten thousand kilometers, special engines were developed for it by Pratt and Whitney. Later, engines from General Electric and Rolls Royce began to be used. The "hundredth" version includes an improved model 747-100B, as well as a short-range variant with a passenger capacity of up to 550 people - 747-100SR (Short Range), designed specifically for short flights between the Japanese islands.

Boeing 747 photo

The "200th" series received a higher initial weight and a longer flight range. In the 747-200B version, it is 10,800 kilometers. An undoubted advantage was the ability to easily adapt passenger aircraft to cargo (747-200F), as well as combined (747-200C, 747-200M). And the -200C variant has undergone further improvements in terms of cargo transportation. One such improvement was the flip nose. In 1983, a Boeing 747-300 took to the skies. Ego's main stats have been increased. The flight range was now 12,300 kilometers. The upper deck has been expanded. As a result, the number of passenger seats has increased. The series also includes cargo-passenger variants - 747-300M and 747-300SR designed, like -200SR, for domestic flights in Japan.

Boeing 747 interior layout

Most successful versions 747-400 and new 747-8

The 747-400 boasts of being the top selling Boeing. It entered service in 1989. Compared to the 747-300, it has an improved wing, more powerful engines, improved interior quality. The 747-400 reaches a maximum flight range of 13,500 kilometers without landing for refueling and can fly at speeds up to 913 kilometers per hour. The decks of the "400th" can accommodate up to 524 passengers. A cargo version of the liner was also released, model 747-400F, combined, model 747-400M, for short flights - 747-400D and version 747-400ER for longer flights. Production of the Boeing 747-400 ended in December 2009, with the introduction of the new Boeing 747-8, which first flew in February 2010. Two versions of the aircraft are presented, passenger 747-8I and cargo 747-8F. Both models feature new GE energy efficient engines for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The modified Boeing 747 of the American president is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1000 km per hour. Due to its excellent technical characteristics, it is called the "aircraft of the Apocalypse".

Features Boeing 747-400ER:

• Length: 70.6 m.
• Height: 19.4 m.
• Wingspan: 64.4 m.
• Wing area: 541 sq.m.
• Empty weight: 180.8 tons
• Fuselage diameter: 6.5 m.
• Maximum speed: 988 km/h.
• Flight range: 14200 km.
• Number of passenger seats: 416-524 seats
• Crew: 2 people

Boeing 747. Gallery.

For more than a century of history of world aviation, thousands of modifications of military and civil aircraft for various purposes have been developed and built. Among them there are planes that become masters of the sky for many years. Among these airliners is the world's most popular wide-body aircraft, the Boeing 747.

Boeing 747 aircraft

The history of the creation of the Boeing 747

February 9, 2019 This year marks exactly half a century since the very first double-decker Boeing 747-100 took to the air. The idea of ​​​​creating a Boeing 747 aircraft, the number of passengers of which would reach 500 people, belongs to the head of Boeing, William Ellen, and the boss of PanAm, Juan Tripp.

The project of a cargo aircraft for the US Air Force was taken as a basis, the tender for which Boeing had lost to the winged giant Lockheed C-141 a few years earlier. The talented engineer Joe Sutter headed the project design team. It was decided to design a passenger-and-freight aircraft with a cargo hatch under the cockpit.

This decision became a kind of insurance against losses in the competitive struggle that unfolded between the apologists for subsonic passenger aviation and those who actively promoted a new direction - jet civil aircraft.

The first contract between PanAm and Boeing for the supply of 25 Boeing 747-100 aircraft worth $5,525 million. was signed in the spring of 1966. The cost of building various modifications has been constantly increasing for fifty years, as developers use advanced technologies and unique materials to improve the flight performance of the liner:

• Boeing 747-100 aircraft - $24 million;
• 747-200 - $38 million;
• 747-300 - $82 million;
• 747-400 - $260 million;
• 747-8 - $379 million

747 series airliners by 2016 produced by Boeing Corporation

By December 2016, Boeing Corporation produced 1,556 747-series aircraft in various modifications. 98% (1527 aircraft) have been contracted and handed over to customers for operation.

The aircraft are assembled at the world's largest airline company - the Boeing plant in Everett, Washington. The huge expenses spent on the development, commissioning, production and maintenance of aircraft were generously paid off by the profit from the sale of the Boeing 747 to dozens of countries around the world.

The excellent performance characteristics of the 747-series aircraft, high reliability and efficiency allowed them to immediately and for a long time take the lead among long-haul airbuses in terms of the number of passengers carried.

The use of transparent aircraft leasing schemes allows airlines to compensate for their high resale value.

It is noteworthy that in Russia, the Boeing 747 series was not operated by Aeroflot until 2015. Long-haul flights were carried out by Transaero.

Specifications Boeing 747

The layout of the Boeing 747 (B747) was designed as a low-wing design with a single vertical keel and swept wings. The Boeing 747 engine is a bypass turbofan (TRDD) attached to the wing using special pylons.

The performance characteristics of the aircraft are best considered by comparing the three most popular airliners - 747-100, 747-400ER and 747-8:

Boeing 100-series began regular commercial flights only at the end of 1970 due to defects in the design of the Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A turbofan bypass engine with a take-off thrust of 22,000 daN.

The cost of a two-year revision amounted to almost 200 million dollars. The JT9D-7A power plant went into the 747-100 series, and the JT9D-7R4G with a thrust of 224,700 daN went into the 747-200 series. In total, 8 types of turbofan engines were used in various modifications of the aircraft:

The range of components and parts used to assemble the Boeing 747 consists of more than 6 million items.

They are produced in 33 countries of the world.

Boeing 747 modifications

The double-decker Boeing 747 underwent major modifications several times from 1970 to 2006. Various technical and commercial characteristics of the car have changed, but the appearance of the famous humpback is still easily recognizable.

• 747-100. Since September 2, 1968, 167 aircraft of the basic model with a flight range of up to 7200 km have left the stocks of the plant in Everett since September 2, 1968. Produced until 1976. Lufthansa was the first European airline to replenish its fleet with aircraft of the 100th modification. During operation, the upper deck of the aircraft turned into a cabin for first-class passengers, designed for 60 seats.

• 747-100SR (short range). Created under the "Short Range" program. On domestic airlines with a length of up to 5 thousand km, a decrease in the amount of fuel in the tanks made it possible to increase the cabin capacity of the Boeing 747,400 to 550 passengers. Alterations have undergone several structural elements, the avionics of the liner and the satellite communications system. In the summer of 1973, the Boeing 747SR received ICAO certification. Released 29 units.

• 747-100SP. The Special Performance modification was designed to compete with the Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 on medium haul lines. It has a shorter fuselage compared to the base model. The maximum aircraft load has been reduced to 220 seats. With a flight range of up to 10200 km, it turned out to be very popular in the countries of the Pacific region. The series was limited to the construction of 45 machines.

• 747-200. The installation of more powerful engines made it possible to increase the flight range to 10,800 km (747-200V). Built several varieties of this modification for the US Air Force. Passenger-and-freight models were produced with the marking C, F and M. With the start of the production of more advanced modifications, almost all were converted into "trucks".

• 747-300. Produced since 1980 with M and SR markings. For the first time, the length of the upper deck was increased on it. A straight line is installed between the upper and lower floors of the aircraft instead of a spiral staircase. Flight range - up to 12400 km.

• 747-400. It has operated regular flights since 1989. For the first time in the design of the wings, a new aerodynamic element was used - vertical wingtips. With the installation of new avionics, the need for the presence of a flight engineer in the crew has disappeared.

The economy of the 400 is a quarter better than that of the 747-300, and the noise level is half as much. The number of passengers in the Boeing 747-400D in Japan has reached 594 people. The 400ER modification liner can cover a distance of 14205 km.

• 747-LCF Dreamlifter. Wings for the ultra-modern Boeing 787 airliner are produced at factories in Japan. For their delivery to Everett, 747-400s were converted into a cargo version - LCF. Thanks to the use of this aircraft, the delivery time for Dreamliner planes from Japan to the USA is reduced from one month to one day.

• 747-8. The most modern modification of the Boeing 747, whose performance characteristics are unique, has been in operation since 2010. The fuselage of the transporter 747-400 was lengthened by 5.5 meters.

It is much more economical than older modifications due to the use of the GEnx power plant developed by General Electric specialists. The Boeing 747-8 order book is more than 120 aircraft. Actively used as a VIP-liner.

Passenger capacity Boeing 747-400 and other modifications

In the cabin of the passenger modification 747-400, three types of seats can be installed - business class, first class and economy class. The seats of the most affordable price category are located in the compartments of the first floor. Video viewing systems are available.

Seats for first and business class passengers are located under the pilot's cabin or on the top floor. The main conditions for the location of places of these categories are maximum comfort, the proximity of the personnel compartment and the convenience of evacuation routes. The layouts differ in the number of passengers:

Interior layout plans can be very different. First of all, it depends on the density of passenger traffic and the level of profitability of transportation. Here are the two most popular schemes:

• Under the maximum load. Over 90% of the seats are in economy class, which makes it possible to maximize the capacity of the Boeing 747 aircraft.

• To carry a large number of first class passengers. In this scheme, some of the seats can be equipped as a business class.

For 50 years of active operation, the liner has not become obsolete at all. Thanks to its unique double-deck design and high operational capabilities, the passenger aviation star continues to fly around the world, performing its functions flawlessly. Even the wide-body giant of the 21st century, the Airbus A-380, can envy its fantastic popularity among passengers.

Before the European giant A-380 appeared on the market, the Boeing 747 was considered the largest aircraft in the world, the cabin capacity of which, or rather, 2 passenger decks, was more than 500 people. Like other aircraft of the company, this liner has undergone several modifications, but its main differences have not changed. The aircraft contained 2 decks, original nose, 4 engines, and the largest passenger capacity.

The aircraft became the first wide-body airliner, which was planned only for cargo transportation. It began to be developed a year after the launch of the 737 version, as a result of which a fundamentally new aircraft did not work out. However, this was not required. The whole world followed the development of supersonic liners, so the Boeing 747 had every chance to stay. Especially for the cargo version, the cockpit was located on the second floor. It was originally planned to leave the second deck for passengers, while the first floor was given entirely to the cargo compartment. The aircraft also received four engines for greater carrying capacity.

First flights

Despite financial difficulties, the first wide-body airliner took to the air in 1970. Since the liner was a passenger liner, the upper deck became a service one, and all passengers were accommodated according to the principle usual for other aircraft. The capacity of the Boeing 747 of the first samples was only 200 people, but when compared with the 737 model, released in the same year and taking on board 100 people, a twofold difference is obtained.

The active interest in the new airliner significantly undermined the position of the "concords" - European supersonic aircraft: many carriers revised their orders and the shares of the Boeing 747 began to grow rapidly. On the basis of the first aircraft, the production of several modifications began. The first of these was developed for a Japanese carrier, while the order was for short-range aircraft. The response to the order of the Japanese was the modification 747-100SR. This version received an improved fuselage, smaller tanks, which significantly increased the capacity of the aircraft. The Boeing 747-100SR was able to take on board 500 and then 550 people. Later, the development 747-300 will receive the same modification - a short-range aircraft.

Other modifications

Despite the growing orders for passenger versions, Boeing did not abandon the original plans for the production of cargo aircraft. So the following modifications appeared: F - a cargo version, M - a combi that has the ability to take fewer passengers, but more luggage, B - improved chassis (for the first versions) and tanks (later). In addition, on the basis of 747-200, two classic "board number 1" was assembled to transport the US president.

Modification 200 served as a prototype for the next generation - 300s, the only difference of which was to be the presence of three engines instead of the standard four. But this decision was not continued - the Boeing 747-300 became a completely new airliner.

Boeing 747-300

One of the features of the new aircraft was a direct staircase to the second floor (previously a spiral was used), an enlarged upper deck, designed for an economy or business class, and at the same time the ability to vary the number of seats. The capacity of the Boeing 747-300 ranges from 400 (three-class operation) to 600 when only one service class is used.

The first Boeing 300 took off in 1980 and quickly became one of the most used. Until 2005 (the first takeoff of the A-380), this modification was considered the best model of a long-range main airliner, but it also showed significant shortcomings.

Operational problems

Simultaneously with the increase in the number of passengers, problems in operation began. The largest Boeing 747, whose capacity was growing rapidly, no longer corresponded to the parameters of airports. In addition, four engines against three on competitor aircraft of the DC-10 type implied A with the onset of the 1970 crisis, many companies refused to work with the 747 model due to its unprofitability. If we recall that around the same time, the Boeing 767 and Airbus-300 (both with two engines) entered the market, almost immediately capturing the wide-body aircraft market, the 747th began to lose ground. And although the capacity of the Boeing 747 aircraft was still one of the largest, airlines began to first convert this version into a cargo version, and then simply sell it.

Long distance aircraft

And, perhaps, another aircraft would have gone down in history, but it was the growth in the number of passengers that allowed the Boeing 747 class aircraft to remain in service. The passenger capacity of this liner satisfied the demanding Great Britain and Japan, not to mention the fact that such an aircraft could be used on long-distance transcontinental flights or on busy lines.

The future of the 747

With the development of aviation, many carriers had a need for the possibility of long flights without refueling, in connection with which the developers again took up the Boeing 747. The passenger capacity in the new versions reached 800 people. The flight range met the standards of the previously released model 747-400. But very soon the projects of aircraft 747-500 and 747-600 went into the archive. The carriers wanted a new aircraft, not an upgrade of the old one. Nevertheless, the developers did not forget about the 747th: they finalized it, closed it, refined it again. This continued until 2005. Finally, after the release of the Boeing 787, the corporation announced the return of the 747 model. The new machine is codenamed Boeing 747-8, or Advanced.

Carriers, remembering the dubious success of the first versions of the 747, initially ordered 109 cars - a third of them in passenger design. The rest were required in the cargo version. A total of 121 vehicles have been sold to date. The capacity of the Boeing 747-8 did not stun - 581 people when using 2 classes of service. When using three classes of service (with the addition of the first class), the number of seats is reduced to about 400.

Best Places

The article shows a typical layout of three classes in the aircraft of the Lufthansa airline (Germany). The liner has several first class seats - on the lower floor under the cockpits, 80 seats in business class and almost 300 seats in economy class. The total capacity of the Boeing 747-8 in this configuration is 386 seats.

There were no complaints about the first class - there is a lot of free space for passengers, they can comfortably accommodate, while each seat is behind its own screen. Next are the front exits, buffets and restrooms. The first row seats in the business class, although spacious, but rest against a partition, behind which there are toilets and a kitchen, which can create some inconvenience. Armchairs 9C and 9H are located in close proximity to the aisle and toilet rooms. Similar inconveniences can be expected by passengers of the 81st and 88th rows (second floor, first and last rows). Passengers in the tenth row will have to look at the partition in front of them for the entire flight, which, of course, is rather uncomfortable. The business class is located 6 people in a row, while they are separated by two aisles.

Economy class starts from rows 16 and 18. The sixteenth row has only 6 seats. Given that there are no passengers in front of them, there is enough free space for the inhabitants of this row and they do not risk finding themselves in the trap created by the reclined seat in front of the person sitting in front. The same applies to the middle section in the 18th row. The twentieth row is located next to the emergency exit - this explains the lack of windows. Passengers in the middle section in this row do not have the opportunity to take a horizontal position, since there is a wall of toilets at the back. The 21st-22nd rows repeat the arrangement of rows No. 16-18, except that there are only four places in the 21st row, not separated from the rest. There is also enough legroom, the only drawback is that there are emergency exits nearby. The middle section, namely the 32nd and 33rd rows, has rear walls, so you won’t be able to relax and lie down. All seats in the 34th row have a partition in front of them, which may cause little space. The 45th-47th rows are in the tail of the aircraft, so it can be crowded there. The 49th row can be called the most unsuccessful, since the shortcomings that were mentioned earlier are fully present in this sector.

Conclusion

The capacity of the Boeing 747 has been upgraded from version to version, but, according to carriers and direct users of this aircraft, although it requires a lot of fuel, it justifies itself on transcontinental flights. British Airways, which bought the largest Boeing 747 during the American crisis, with a capacity of up to 500 people, can serve as a serious confirmation. The number of cars of this class in the company's fleet today is 57 units.

June 04, 2012 No comments

Tourists who often fly long distances leave numerous reviews about the Boeing 747-200. This aircraft has been successfully used on Russian airlines for a long time. Designed for long-distance flights, it flies to the Far East. Also used on many foreign routes. Aeroflot, Transaero and other airlines are successfully using this not entirely new Boeing model. Its release ended in 1991, but many cars are still in excellent condition. Many passengers, if they have a choice, prefer these aircraft.

It should be noted that the passenger reviews of the Boeing 747-200 are the most controversial. Most often this is due not to the make of the car, but to its age. Considering that the first Boeing 474-200s began operating in the early 1970s, many of them have quite a solid record of experience. Some of the cars began to be used for freight transportation, but those that are used have undergone a major overhaul and are now not inferior to younger models.

Boeing (boeing) 747-200 cabin map (location of seats)

Upper deck:
Business class is the most comfortable and convenient aircraft cabin:

- 12 wide folding sleep chairs

— 2 rows — individual monitors for watching video programs for each passenger, an individual remote control for audio and video programs, an extended range of drinks, two hot meals a day, blankets and pillows for each passenger, an amenity kit.

Lower deck:
Business class is the most comfortable and convenient aircraft cabin on the lower deck:
16 wide armchairs
2 rows - individual monitors for watching video programs for each passenger, an individual audio and video program control panel, a footrest under the seat, an extended range of drinks, two hot meals a day, blankets and pillows for each passenger, an amenity kit.

Also, on the lower deck there is an economy class:

440 seats
3 rows
4 seats in the middle row, 3 seats in the outer rows, next to the windows, for each passenger individual monitors for watching video programs on the backs of the seats in front, an individual remote control for audio and video programs, soft and alcoholic drinks, two hot meals a day, an amenity kit .

The total number of passengers in the cabin of three classes is 366 people, in the cabin of two classes - 452. The maximum number of passengers is 490, plus 3 crew members.

Flight characteristics Boeing (boeing) 747-200:

- cruising at an altitude of 10,600 m - 895 (0.84) km / h
- maximum - 942 km / h
– practical ceiling, m – 13 720
- flight range, km with a maximum fuel reserve - 12,150 (12,700)
- flight range with 452 passengers and luggage (with fuel reserves) - 10,670 km.

Dimensions and mass indicators of the aircraft:
- aircraft length, m - 70.66
- wing span, m - 59.64
- aircraft height, m ​​- 19.33
- fuselage diameter, m - 6.5
- wing area, m2 - 510.9

The takeoff weight of the Boeing 747-200 reaches about 374,850 kg, landing weight - 285,700 kg. The weight of an empty equipped aircraft is 169,700 kg, without fuel - 238,800. Payload - 69.1 tons. Typical fuel capacity - 199,158 liters, maximum - 204,360 liters. Also, this model has 5 cargo pallets, 14 LD-1 containers, weighing 155.6 kg.

The best seats in the Boeing 747-200 cabin, in my opinion, are located in the tail of the aircraft, as well as the first rows from emergency exits - No. 31B, No. 31C, No. 31D.

Some passengers pay attention to some trembling in the skin when landing. But this is not observed on all flights. Obviously, affects the technical condition of the machines. Studying the opinion of passengers about the Boeing 474-200, the first thing you pay attention to is the difference in the description of the salons. Some talk about spacious places, others about tightness. It all depends on the carrier company and the requirements that they impose on the configuration of the cabin. In order not to get into an uncomfortable position, it is advisable to ask before buying tickets how many passengers the plane can take on board. The larger the named figure, the closer the interior will be. Such is the pattern.

Otherwise, the reviews are only positive, especially if the seats were in the bow. Absolutely no wobble is felt. Even children feel comfortable.

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Boeing 747- the very first wide-body aircraft in the history of aviation, as well as one of the most recognizable airliners in the world. He even got an informal nickname - "Jumbo Jet" (Jumbo Jet). For 37 years, the Boeing 747 held the record for the largest passenger capacity, and today it is the longest passenger aircraft on the planet. Its history began in 1969, and since then Boeing has been constantly improving the design of this airliner family.

Story

The need to develop the Boeing 747 arose during the boom in air travel in the 1960s. The Boeing 707, which dominated the US air travel market at the time, was already struggling to keep up with the growing flow of passengers. Prior to this, Boeing had already been developing a large transport aircraft for the US Army, but then the corporation lost to the Lockheed project and their C-5 Galaxy aircraft.

In 1965, design engineer Joe Sutter, who was working on the Boeing 737 at the time, was appointed chief designer of the Boeing 747. He began his job by identifying the needs of airlines. At the time, it was believed that huge aircraft would soon be superseded by supersonic aircraft. Therefore, the 747 was originally designed as a cargo-passenger aircraft. Over time, it was even planned to completely re-equip all aircraft into cargo ones. The cockpit was placed on the upper deck specifically in order to be able to convert the nose of the aircraft into a cargo ramp.

In 1966, the Boeing Corporation completed the design and presented the configuration of a new aircraft, designated 747. The original design was a fully double-deck aircraft, however, some difficulties arose with this configuration, and the scheme was abandoned in favor of the "humped" version. The first customer was Pan Am, which ordered 25 Boeing 747-100s.
Moreover, thanks to Pan Am recommendations, important changes were made to the design of the aircraft, in particular: the wingspan was increased, the placement of the landing gear was changed, and the maximum takeoff weight was increased from 272155 kg to 308443 kg.

jumbo jet

Not surprisingly, the early press reports that followed Boeing's official announcement were heavily loaded with adjectives that signified significance. Everything about the Boeing 747 was on a gigantic scale, and very soon it was called a bulky aircraft (“jumbo-sized”), which led to the nickname “Jumbo Jet” (bulky jet liner).

Production

The decision to start production of the Boeing 747-100 was made on July 25, 1966. following additional orders from Japan Airlines and Lufthansa.

Boeing made a promise to Pan Am to deliver the first aircraft by 1970 - that is, it was necessary to develop, build, test and certify the aircraft in less than 4 years. The work went very quickly, but the enormous costs of the corporation for the construction and development of the aircraft almost put Boeing on the verge of bankruptcy.

The problem was that Boeing didn't have the hardware to produce such gigantic aircraft. Especially for the release of the Boeing 747, a new factory was built in the small town of Everett, Washington, which became the home for a new family of aircraft. For reference, today in this workshop, Boeing assembles models: 747, 767, 777, 787. And the building itself has a record volume of 13.3 million cubic meters.

Especially for the Boeing 747, Pratt & Whitney developed a huge turbofan engine with a high bypass ratio - JT9D. In order to increase the level of safety and flight performance of the aircraft, 4 redundant hydraulic systems and slotted flaps were installed on the 747, which made it possible to use the aircraft on relatively short runways.

While testing the aircraft for airworthiness certification, Boeing developed an unusual training device known as the Waddell Van, named after Boeing 747 test pilot Jack Waddell. The device consisted of a mock-up of a Boeing 747 cockpit mounted on the roof of a truck. Such a simulator was designed to teach pilots to steer a giant airliner from a high position in its cockpit.

On September 30, 1968, the Boeing 747 was rolled out of the hangar for public display, and on February 9, 1969, it made its first test flight.

Boeing has invested heavily in the development of this aircraft. A few months before the delivery of the first 747-100, the company was forced to turn to bankers for additional funding to complete the project. During this period, Boeing's debt to investors amounted to about $2 billion. Boeing President William Allen later clarified, "It was too big a project for us."

But, despite all this, the Boeing 747 was a massive success. In the wide-body aircraft segment, the airliner held a monopoly for many years. And, of course, it paid off.

Airlines and Boeing 747

At first, major airlines were somewhat skeptical about the new aircraft. The fact is that at the same time, McDonnell Douglas (taken over by Boeing in the 90s) and Lockheed were also developing three-engine wide-body aircraft much smaller than the 747. Many airlines believed that the 747 would not justify itself on long-haul routes and would not economical, like McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aircraft. In addition, the fact that, due to its size, the 747 may not be suitable for airport infrastructures, raised doubts.

First of all, the concern of air carriers was caused by the high fuel consumption of the Boeing 747 (compared to the three-engine aircraft described above). Many airlines immediately announced their reluctance to purchase this aircraft due to the threat of a sharp increase in ticket prices.

As a result, the concerns of air carriers were justified. The fuel crisis of the 1970s caused a rapid rise in oil prices, and as a result, a reduction in air travel. Airlines faced the problem of the unprofitability of the Boeing 747: due to high ticket prices, the planes flew half empty. American Airlines installed pianos and bar counters instead of seats to attract passengers, but these measures were not enough. Subsequently, the company converted all aircraft into cargo aircraft, then sold them. After some time, Continental Airlines did the same with their aircraft.

New aircraft: McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, and later - captured a large part of the wide-body aircraft market. With the release of these aircraft, many air carriers almost immediately abandoned the 747 in their favor.

Boeing 747 evolution

Since entering the airline industry in 1970, the Boeing 747 has continued to be upgraded. Almost immediately after the base model 747-100, modifications appeared: 747-100B (a model with increased takeoff weight), as well as 747-100SR (a model with an increased number of passenger seats, but a shortened flight range).

In 1971, Boeing released a modification that differed from the base model with more powerful and reliable engines, as well as increased takeoff weight. The aircraft was offered in both passenger and cargo versions. Modification 747-200SR appeared in 1976.

In 1980, the model was released. The upper deck of the aircraft has become longer, respectively, and the passenger capacity has increased. More modern engines were put on the plane, thanks to which the speed and takeoff weight of the liner also became greater.

But the design of the liner underwent serious changes with the release of the modification. First of all, the cockpit has changed: computers were installed on the aircraft that calculate various flight parameters, the data on which are displayed on the displays (Glass Cockpit). Thus, the control of the aircraft was optimized, and the crew was reduced from 3 to 2 people.

As for the fuselage, composite materials were used in its design, which made it possible to reduce the weight of the aircraft. Wingspan compared to 747-300 was increased by 4.8 meters. The liner received modern powerful and reliable engines. Take-off weight and flight range, compared with previous modifications, have been significantly increased.

The interior has been redesigned to give the passenger as much personal space as possible. And in general, the aircraft has become quieter, more powerful and faster than all previous modifications of the Boeing 747.

In 1996, Boeing showed off designs for the 747-500X and 747-600X. However, the development of these versions could cost about 5 billion dollars, so there was not much interest in them. In the end, many of the ideas proposed for the 747X family were implemented on the 747-400ER (extended range version), which entered commercial service in 2002.

The last aircraft of the 747-400 modification was released in 2009.

747-8 - a new generation long-haul liner

On November 14, 2005, Boeing Corporation announced the launch of a new airliner development program. The aircraft was completely redesigned in accordance with the technologies introduced into the new liner. It was assumed that the 747-8 will have the same engines and cabin as the 787, and it also partially (in some channels) uses a fly-by-wire control system. Boeing said the new aircraft will be quieter, more fuel efficient and more environmentally friendly than previous versions of the 747. As an evolution of the 747-400 already in use, the 747-8 will save on staff training and interchangeable parts.

In October 2006, Boeing approved the cargo version of the 747-8 Freighter. Construction of the first 747-8 Freighters began at the Everett, Washington plant in early August 2008.

The first flight, cargo Boeing 747-8F made February 8, 2010. And on March 20, 2011, the passenger Boeing 747-8 went on its first flight.

Technology in 747-8

When creating the 747-8, new Boeing advances in technology and aerodynamics were applied. Recall that both versions of the aircraft began to be developed back in 2005, and by 2006 both of them differed from the 747-400 by a fuselage lengthened by 5.6 m.

After receiving all the certificates, the 747-8 became the longest passenger liner in the world, surpassing the previous record holder by 90.5 cm.

With a maximum takeoff weight of 442 tons, the 747-8 is the heaviest aircraft (among both civilian and military) created in the history of the United States. Compared to the 747-400, the main technical changes are in the wing, which has been completely redesigned. The sweep angle and power set of the wing is retained to reduce costs, but the wing has become thinner and wider, with completely recalculated aerodynamics. The pressure distribution and bending moments of the wing are different, moreover, it now holds more fuel. The outer sections of the flaps on the wing are single-slotted, and the inner sections are double-slotted.

The 747-8 uses ridged wingtips similar to those used on the , and they are different from the 747-400 winglets. These wingtips are designed to reduce tip vortices, reducing wake and drag, and thereby reducing fuel consumption. Another attempt to reduce weight was the availability of a fly-by-wire control system for most of the lateral controls.

The increased fuel capacity of the redesigned wing, compared to the 747-400, avoids radical changes to the stabilizer design to accommodate additional fuel, which allows for additional fuel savings.
The 747-8 keel remained the same, 19.35 m high. To reduce weight, a composite material, carbon fiber, was partially used in the 747-8 airframe design.

Boeing 747 modifications

To summarize: the development of the first modification - the Boeing 747-100 began in 1966. In 1971, the operation of the 747-200 began. In 1980, the 747-300 was born, and in 1985, the 747-400. Operation of the new generation of Boeing 747-8 aircraft began in 2010.

On the upper deck of the first modification of the Boeing 747-100 there was a living room. It is noteworthy that she had only 6 portholes (3 on each side). Later, when airlines adapted the upper deck for business class, Boeing offered the installation of 10 windows as an option.

Boeing 747-100 aircraft are equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A engines.

The modification does not have a cargo version, although later the old passenger aircraft were converted into cargo ones. A total of 167 Boeing 747-100 series aircraft were produced.

747SR (Short Range)

Japanese airlines approached Boeing to create a version of the aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of passengers on the country's domestic flights. Thus, the Boeing 747SR was born - an aircraft with a shortened flight range, but a significantly increased passenger capacity. Early versions of this modification could accommodate up to 498 passengers, while later versions were equipped with 550 or more seats. The Japanese enthusiastically accepted this modification. It was very fuel efficient, and most importantly, the aircraft resource was provided for a greater amount of time than conventional modifications of the Boeing 747, thanks to the reinforced fuselage and landing gear.

747SP (Special Performance)

The modification of the Boeing 747SP was developed in 1976. This aircraft was created in order to seriously compete with the DC-10 and L-1011. The fact is, because of its size, Boeing was often unprofitable on medium-busy routes, and lost to McDouglas and Lockheed on them. The development of the Boeing 737 and 747 took too much money from the company, so Boeing did not have the opportunity to create a fundamentally new aircraft. Instead, the 747 had a shortened fuselage and some optimization of the aircraft parameters specifically for light traffic routes.

In addition to the shortened fuselage, the 747SP has an increased fin surface area and modified wing mechanization. 747SP took on board up to 220 passengers. The maximum flight range was 10,500 km at a cruising speed of 980 km/h.

Prior to the introduction of the Airbus A340, the 747SP had the longest range of any passenger aircraft and was popular with transoceanic carriers. Despite its technical advantages, the 747SP did not become as popular as the manufacturer had hoped. Only 45 aircraft of this modification were built. Most of them are still operated mainly in the Middle East. One aircraft was later converted into a flying astronomical laboratory - SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). It has a telescope with a diameter of 2.5 meters.

747-100B

Modification 747-100B was developed simultaneously with 747SR. It differs from the usual modification 747-100 in increased takeoff weight and additional fuel tanks. For the Japanese airlines JAL and All Nippon Airways, the 747-100В SR modification was specially produced, intended for the transportation of 550-624 passengers on routes of 3000-3500 km. Aircraft 747-100B served as the basis for the creation of various modifications of passenger and cargo aircraft 747-200B, -200F, -300, -400, SP and others. The aircraft is equipped with a conventional avionics complex with electromechanical means of data indication.

Introduced in 1971, the Boeing 747-200 had more powerful engines and increased takeoff weight, allowing for longer range. The first 747-200s on the upper deck had only 3 windows on each side, but later Boeing finally abandoned this scheme and new passenger aircraft already had ten windows on both sides. The latest modification, the 747-200B, produced since the 1980s, has been extended to 10,800 km. On the basis of the Boeing 747-200 airframe, modifications were built for the US Air Force: E-4A - a military command post, VC-25A - a liner for transporting the US president.

The Boeing 747-200B is an upgraded version of the 747-200 with more powerful engines and more fuel.
The Boeing 747-200C and 747-200F were designed to carry cargo. The 747-200F is a purely cargo aircraft, while the 747-200C is a convertible version, the aircraft can be easily converted from passenger to cargo.
Modification 747-200M Combi can carry passengers and cargo at the same time. The ratio is changed by rearranging the bulkheads.

Like the 747-100, many 747-200 passenger aircraft were later converted to cargo.

Boeing 747-300 - originally conceived as a three-engine version of the Boeing 747SP, but this idea was quickly abandoned due to low market demand for such a model.
The designation 747-300 was assigned to a new aircraft that appeared in 1980. On the liner, the upper deck was significantly enlarged, due to which the passenger capacity also increased.

Based on the 747-300, the 747-300M (cargo-passenger) and 747-300SR (short haul) variants were created. A distinctive feature of the new aircraft was a straight staircase connecting the upper and lower decks. On earlier aircraft, a spiral was installed. The maximum flight range of the Boeing 747-300 is 12,400 km.

Model 747-400 is the most popular modification. This aircraft has added vertical wingtips (winglets). The cockpit was improved with new avionics, and therefore there was no need for a flight engineer. Were installed: additional tail fuel tanks, improved engines. In addition, the aircraft is distinguished by an increased degree of comfort.

The Boeing 747-400 is 25% more efficient than the 747-300 and twice as quiet.

There are the following variants of this modification: 747-400M (cargo), 747-400F and 747-400SF (cargo). Specially designed for Japan's domestic routes, the 747-400D held the world seating capacity record until 2005, accommodating up to 594 people. It was then replaced by the Airbus A380, which in a single-class configuration can accommodate 853 passengers.

Modification 747-400ER - an aircraft with an increased flight range.

747-8 Intercontinental

747-8 Intercontinental, or simply 747-8I, began construction on November 14, 2005. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 467 passengers in a three-class configuration, for a distance of up to 15,000 km, at a speed of 0.855 M. Compared to the 747-400, the 747-8I carries 51 passengers and 2 cargo pallets more, and the cargo compartment has increased by 26%.

Despite initial plans to make the passenger variant shorter than the cargo variant, both modifications are the same length, making it easy to convert the 747-8I to a cargo version (a convertible variant that allows conversion from one variant to another and vice versa). Upper deck 747-8I extended. Boeing said the 747-8I is 30% quieter, 16% more fuel efficient and 13% cheaper than the 747-400 compared to the 747-400.

In 747-8 there are some changes on the decks. Most notable are the curved staircase connecting the decks and the larger main entrance for passengers. The interior of the 747-8's main cabin is similar to the advanced interior of the Boeing 787. The overhead luggage racks are curved, their center row appearing to be attached to the curved ceiling, rather than being integrated into the curve of the ceiling as on. The windows are the same size as the 777, which is 8% larger than the 747-400. 747-8 is equipped with an LED lighting system that can create a psychologically comfortable stay on board the aircraft. The LED system also provides greater reliability and lower operating costs.

747-8 Freighter

Cargo version of the new generation liner 747-8. As on the 747-400F, the upper deck is shorter than on the passenger modification, inserts with a total length of 5.575 m are made directly before and after the wing in the fuselage. The total aircraft carrying capacity is 140 tons, and the flight range is 8130 km. On the main deck there is room for four more cargo pallets, and on the lower deck there is room for two additional containers and three additional pallets.

Compared to the 747-400ERF, the 747-8F has a higher payload but a slightly shorter range. When Boeing released the −400ERF, with a MTOW 16t more than the 747-400F at 397-410t, it allowed air carriers to fill up more fuel, use it mid-flight and land at the same landing weight as the 747. -400F. This increased the range of the 747-400ERF compared to the 747-400F. Cargo aircraft often carry mechanisms or monoblock cargo, which requires an aircraft with a larger payload and landing weight.

For transport aircraft, it is customary to indicate the flight range with maximum load, and not with maximum fuel. The increase in the maximum takeoff weight of the 747-8th by 29 tons directly determines the weight of the aircraft without fuel, but with cargo. This caused the 747-8 to take off when fully loaded with incomplete fuel tanks. In flights without maximum load, the aircraft can take more fuel and increase the flight range.

Compared to the 747-400ERF (a cargo version of the 747-400 for long distances), the 747-8F has more payload capacity, but less (by 900 km) flight range.

747 LCF Dreamlifter

The 747 LCF Dreamlifter is a special version of the Boeing 747 designed to transport large aircraft parts.

In October 2003, Boeing announced that due to the lengthy shipping times, Boeing 787 parts would be transported to the final assembly site by air. For these purposes, we decided to convert the Boeing 747-400. The first test flight of the aircraft took place on September 9, 2006.

During testing of the aircraft, Boeing President Scott Carson jokingly apologized to the "father of the Boeing 747," Joe Sutter: "I'm sorry about what we did to your plane."

Thanks to the Boeing 747LCF (Large Cargo Freighter), a 787 wing made in Japan can be delivered to the US in just one day, not a month. The volume of the transport compartment Dreamlifter - 1840 cubic meters.

Special versions of the Boeing 747

Boeing VC-25 is a special designation for the military version of the Boeing 747 passenger aircraft.

The VC-25 is best known for its role as "Air Force One", the US Air Force's name for the aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The two aircraft produced with tail numbers 28000 and 29000 are an early modification of the Boeing 747-200B, but with flight equipment and engines from the Boeing 747-400ER. While Air Force One formally refers to the aircraft only when the President of the United States is on board, it is not uncommon for the term to be applied to the VC-25 as a whole.

VC-25s often operate in conjunction with Marine One, a helicopter that takes the President of the United States to the airport in circumstances where ground transportation is not suitable. If the first lady or vice president of the United States is present on board, but not the president himself, the aircraft is assigned the code designation "Air Force One Foxtrot".

Despite the fact that the VC-25, like a regular Boeing 747, has 3 decks with a total area of ​​370 m², the interior has been converted for presidential needs. The lowest deck is for luggage and food supplies. The aircraft has a food warehouse with a cold store with a total capacity of more than 2,000 standard rations. Meals can be prepared in two kitchens, which together can feed about 100 people at a time. Since the luggage capacity of the aircraft only corresponds to that of the passengers, a presidential flight is usually preceded by an air convoy of transport aircraft (usually at least one C-5 Galaxy) carrying helicopters, a motorcade of cars, and other equipment necessary for the presidential entourage.

The VC-25A is capable of covering 12,600 km without refueling (corresponding to 1/3 of the length of the equator) and can accommodate more than 70 passengers. Each VC-25A costs approximately $325 million.

The main passenger area is on the middle deck, and the communication system and aircraft cabin are on the upper deck. There are 3 exits on the plane - two on the lower deck and one on the middle one. Usually the president enters through the main entrance on the middle deck, while passengers and journalists board through the entrance in the aft part of the lower deck. The conditions for the press and other passengers are the same as in the first class cabin of a regular Boeing 747.

On board the VC-25, medical equipment includes an operating table, a supply of medicines and other medical supplies that may be needed during emergency medical care.

President George W. Bush, Jr., equipped Air Force One with a treadmill during his tenure. On each flight, there is a medical staff on board. The aircraft cabin is divided into seats for guests, senior staff, the US Secret Service, security services and media representatives.

The presidential section includes a bedroom with two sofas that can be converted into a bed, a toilet, a shower and a personal office. These rooms, including the President's office, are mostly located on the starboard side, on the port side there is a long corridor. The aircraft rooms are fully equipped with telecommunications systems (including 85 telephones and 19 televisions). There are also secret and non-secret fax and digital communications.

The US Air Force is currently looking to replace Air Force One with the Boeing VC-25 (two heavily modified Boeing 747-200Bs). Boeing is reportedly considering offering the 747-8 alongside the Boeing 787 variant. On August 11, 2010, the South Korean government announced that it was considering purchasing the 747-8 as a presidential aircraft.

E-4B - air command posts (ACP) for the president, secretary of defense and other members of the senior leadership of the United States, in the event of a nuclear war and the destruction of ground control structures. Among themselves, these liners are sometimes called “doomsday planes”.

The first 3 E-4As were built based on the Boeing 747-200 airframe at the Boeing factory in 1974-1978.
In 1979, an upgraded E-4B was built. Outwardly, it was distinguished by the presence of a large fairing that covered the satellite communications antennas on top of the fuselage above the upper deck. In 1980, all three E-4As were redesigned as E-4Bs. All aircraft equipment is protected from the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) of a nuclear explosion. There is a filtering system from radioactive dust in the intake and air conditioning systems for ventilation of the cabin and compartments.

The aircraft is equipped with equipment for receiving fuel from tanker aircraft. With periodic refueling in the air, the aircraft can stay in the air for a week (maybe more). The period of its duty in the air is limited only by the working life of the oil in the oil systems of engines. Full air-to-air refueling of the E-4B requires two fully fueled KC-135 tankers.

Military experimental version of the Boeing 747, with a high power chemical laser installed in the nose of the aircraft. The aircraft is intended for US missile defense.

747 Shuttle Carrier

The aircraft is used to transport the Space Shuttle aerospace aircraft from alternate spaceports to the main launch site at Cape Canaveral. The shuttle is attached to the fuselage from above.

KC-33A is a tanker aircraft designed to refuel fighters in the air.

747 SOFIA

SOFIA stands for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. In a word - an observatory aircraft. It is intended for space research. It is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center.

The aircraft is based on a modification of the Boeing 747SP. A large door was installed on the liner in the aft fuselage, it is designed to be opened in flight so that scientists can study the sky through the telescope installed behind it.

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