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Boeing 747-400

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Boeing 747-400
A large white and blue four-engine jet airliner with union tail fin, with landing gear extended
Boeing 747-400 of British Airways, the type's largest operator
Role Wide-body jet airliner
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes
First flight April 29, 1988
Introduction February 9, 1989 with Northwest Airlines
Status Out of production, in service
Primary users British Airways
United Airlines
KLM
Lufthansa
Produced Passenger versions: 1988–2005[1]
Freighter versions: 1993–2009
Number built 694[2]
Developed from Boeing 747-300
Variants Boeing YAL-1
Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter
Developed into Boeing 747-8

The Boeing 747-400 is a major development and the best-selling model of the Boeing 747 family of jet airliners. While retaining the four-engine wide-body layout of its predecessors, the 747-400 embodies numerous technological and structural changes to produce a more efficient airframe. Its most distinguishing features versus preceding 747 models are 6-foot (1.8 m) winglets mounted on 6-foot (1.8 m) wing tip extensions, which are found on all 747-400s except for Japanese domestic market versions.

The 747-400 is equipped with a two-crew glass cockpit, which dispenses with the need for a flight engineer, along with more fuel-efficient engines, an optional fuel tank in the horizontal stabilizer, and revised fuselage/wing fairings. The aircraft also features an all-new interior with upgraded in-flight entertainment architecture. As on the 747-300, passenger variants include a stretched upper deck as standard. The model has a maximum capacity of 660 passengers with the 747-400D variant,[3] and can fly non-stop for up to 7,670 nautical miles (14,200 km) with maximum payload, depending on model.

Northwest Airlines first placed the 747-400 in commercial service in February 9, 1989. The 747-400 was produced in passenger (−400), freighter (−400F), combi (−400M), domestic (−400D), extended range passenger (−400ER) and extended range freighter (−400ERF) versions. The last 747−400, a -400ERF was delivered in 2009.[4] The 747-400 is the second-most recent version of the Boeing 747 family, having been superseded by the improved Boeing 747-8.

Development

Background

Following its introduction in 1969, the Boeing 747 became a major success with airlines and the flying public.[5] As the world's first wide-body jetliner, the 747 had revolutionized air travel, and cemented its manufacturer's dominance in the passenger aircraft market.[6] In 1980, Boeing announced the 747-300, its latest 747 variant featuring greater passenger capacity. This was made possible by making a stretched upper deck (SUD), previously an option on the 747-200, a standard feature.[7] The SUD was almost twice as long as the original 747 upper deck. Besides increased capacity, the 747-300 did not offer any increase in range, nor did it include improvements in flight deck technology or construction materials.[8] At the same time, 747s were becoming more costly to operate due to a number of factors, notably conventional flight control systems, three-person flight crews, and fuel costs.[5]

In 1982, Boeing introduced a two-crew glass cockpit, new engines, and advanced materials on its 757 and 767 twinjets.[8] Similar technologies were also included in the design plans for newly announced rival wide-body aircraft, namely the Airbus A340 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11.[8] At the same time, combined sales of the 747-100, −200, and −300 models (collectively referred to as the 747 "Classics") neared 700, but new orders slowed precipitously.[9] The introduction of the 747-300 did little to stem the decline, and itself faced potential competition from more modern designs. As a result, Boeing began considering a more significant upgrade for its largest passenger jet.[8]

By early 1984, company officials had identified five development objectives for the latest 747 upgrade: new technologies, an enhanced interior, a 1,000 nautical miles (1,900 km) range increase, more efficient engines, and a 10 percent reduction in operating cost.[8] In September 1984, Boeing announced development of the newest 747 derivative, the "Advanced Series 300", at the Farnborough Airshow.[8] On October 22, 1985, the type was officially launched when Northwest Airlines became the first 747-400 customer, with an order for 10 aircraft.[10] Cathay Pacific, KLM, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways also announced orders several months later, followed by United Airlines, Air France, and Japan Airlines.[10]

Design effort

Seven early customers, mainly British Airways, Cathay Pacific, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines, formed a consultative group to advise Boeing on the 747-400's design process.[11] While the aircraft was planned as a new-technology upgrade, Boeing originally proposed minimal design changes in order to reduce development cost and retain commonality with existing models.[11] The airline consultative group sought more advanced changes, including a two-crew glass cockpit. As a result of airline input, the 747-400's new digital cockpit design featured a hybrid of the cathode-ray tube (CRT) display technologies first employed on the 757 and 767, along with carry-over 747 systems such as its autopilot.[11]

Cockpit of modern jet airliner, showcasing digital displays and instruments. Light enters through the windshield.
The modernized glass cockpit of the Boeing 747-400

The 747-400's wingspan was stretched by 17 feet (5.2 metres) over the Classic 747 through wingtip extensions. For reduced aerodynamic drag, the wings were fitted with 6 feet (1.8 metres)-tall winglets.[12] Despite the added length, the wings were 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) lighter as a result of new aluminum alloys.[12] The horizontal tail was also redesigned to fit a 3,300 US gallons (12,000 L) fuel tank, resulting in a 350 nautical miles (650 km) range increase, and the rudder travel was increased to 30 degrees.[12] The landing gear was redesigned with larger wheels and carbon brakes.[12] Internal changes further included a restyled cabin with new materials and updated fittings.[13]

New engines offered on the 747-400 included the Pratt & Whitney PW4056, the General Electric CF6-80C2B1F, and the Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H.[12] The engines offered lower fuel consumption and greater thrust, along with a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) which adjusted engine performance for improved efficiency compared with the Classic 747s.[12] A new auxiliary power unit (APU) manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada was also selected to provide on-ground power for the 747-400, with a 40 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous APU designs.[12]

Production and testing

Final assembly of the first 747-400 began at Boeing's Everett factory, the longtime site of 747 production, in September 1987.[13] More than fifty percent of the aircraft was produced by subcontractors, with major structures, engine nacelles, and sub-assemblies supplied by Northrop, and upper deck fuselage frames from Daewoo.[14] All components were integrated during the final assembly process at the Everett factory. The first aircraft, equipped with PW4056 engines, was completed over the winter months of late 1987.[13] On January 26, 1988, the first 747-400 rolled out at the Everett factory, while the first 737-400 rolled out at Boeing's Renton factory on the same day, marking the first double jetliner rollout in the manufacturer's history.[13] By the time of the rollout, the 747-400 program had amassed more than 100 orders.[13]

Overhead view of factory complex.
An aerial view of Boeing Field, one of the sites used for 747-400 flight testing.

The 747-400 flew for the first time on April 29, 1988, under the command of test pilot James Loesch and co-pilot Kenneth Higgins.[15] The first flight was six weeks behind schedule, owing to subcontractor delays in supplying components, and extra troubleshooting on the aircraft's electronics systems.[13] The maiden flight took off from Paine Field, site of the Everett factory, and landed at Boeing Field, south of Seattle, after an uneventful 2 hours and 26 minutes.[15] The 747-400's flight test program utilized the first four aircraft built, one over the minimum number necessary to certify the aircraft's three engine options.[15] One test aircraft each was fitted with the CF6-80C2B1F and RB21-524G/H engines, while the other two featured PW4056 engines, with the fourth aircraft serving as a backup.[15] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification was received on January 9, 1989 with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines, May 18, 1989 with General Electric CF6-80C2s and June 8, 1989 with Rolls-Royce RB211-524Gs.

As the flight test program proceeded, Boeing encountered problems in the 747-400's production process, leading it to disclose delivery delays of up to one month for the first 20 aircraft built.[13] A primary reason for the delays was the unprecedented complexity of interior configurations offered to airlines, which ranged from lavatory and galley locations to the color shades of cabin warning labels.[13] Coupled with new, relatively inexperienced workers, a lack of veteran technicians, interior configurations needing costly re-work, and teething problems with electronics integration on the advanced flight deck, 747-400 production fell behind schedule.[13] The company managed to resolve early production issues by mid-1989, with all three 747-400 engine variants delivered within four months of each other, and overall delays not exceeding several weeks.[13]

Service entry and operations

Side view of four-engine jet climbing in the sky.
Northwest Airlines placed the 747-400 into service in February 1989.

The first 747-400 (N661US) was delivered to launch customer Northwest Airlines on January 26, 1989, with service entry on February 9 with a flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix.[16] This was the twentieth anniversary of the 747-100's first flight. On May 31, 1989, Singapore Airlines operated the first international service using a 747-400, on a flight from Singapore to London.[17]

In May 1989, one week before the initial delivery to the 747-400's first European customer, KLM, the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) shocked Boeing by refusing to grant regulatory certification for the aircraft, citing the upper deck cabin floor's resistance to collapse in the event of a sudden decompression.[13] While the manufacturer asserted that the 747-400's cabin floor was no different from the already-certified and in-service 747-300, the JAA maintained that the newer model would have a service life into 2020 and beyond and was thus subject to a newer, more stringent standard which had been updated to reflect the risk of explosive devices.[18] In the days leading up to the first delivery to KLM, negotiations between Boeing, the FAA, and the JAA resulted in a compromise: a temporary operating certificate would be issued for the 747-400, provided that the manufacturer develop a structural retrofit for the aircraft within two years.[18] The last-minute deal allowed KLM and Lufthansa to take delivery of their 747-400s without further delays.[18]

After the first 747-400 deliveries, Boeing began production on more variants of the aircraft. The first 747-400 Combi, able to carry both passengers and freight, was rolled out in June 1989.[18] The 747-400 Domestic, a short-range variant of the aircraft designed for Japanese intra-island services, first flew on March 18, 1991 and entered service with Japan Airlines on October 22, 1991. A cargo variant, the 747-400F, was first delivered in May 1993 to Cargolux.[18] By the end of the 1990s, Boeing was producing four versions of the 747-400.

Further developments

Side view of four-engine jet climbing in the sky.
Qantas placed the 747-400ER into service in November 2002

The extended range freighter (ERF) entered service in October 2002. The next month, the extended range (ER) passenger version entered service with Qantas, the only airline ever to order the passenger version of the 747-400ER. Qantas initially used the 747-400ER for the Melbourne to Los Angeles route allowing the completion of the flight with full passenger load and cargo. With the introduction of the A380 Qantas started to use the aircraft on its Brisbane–Los Angeles, Brisbane-Dallas and Sydney–Dallas flights, which are too long to operate using a standard 747-400 with full passenger and cargo loads. Prior to the 747-400ER Qantas would complete such flights by blocking out 'E' zone of the cabin and limiting passenger numbers and cargo. The 747-400ER featured the Boeing Signature Interior, which was later made available on the 747-400 (either as interior refitting on existing 747-400s or factory installation on new frames).

In the 2000s, as part of an effort to promote sustainable and alternative fuel development, as well as lower emissions, several 747-400 operators studied the use of oil extracted from the jatropha plant. Air New Zealand carried out the first commercial flight using jatropha oil for fuel; the airline's 747-400 had one engine burning a mix of 50% jatropha oil and 50% jet fuel for two hours during the flight while engineers collected data. Continental Airlines tested jatropha oil in one of its airliners on January 7, 2009. Jatropha is easy to grow, needs little fertilizer or water, and produces an oil-rich plant.[19]

Production of the 747-400 passenger version officially ceased on March 15, 2007.[1] The last four −400s on order were cancelled by Philippine Airlines (which switched to the 777-300ER). The last to order the −400 was China Airlines in November 2002, with the last passenger 747-400 constructed in 2005 and delivered in April of that year.[1] It was the 1358th 747 (MSN33737/B-18215).[20] The last 747-400 was a -400ERF delivered on December 22, 2009 to Kalitta Air.[4]

Retirement and economic value

As many 747-400s are now more than 20 years old, airlines are beginning to replace them. Airlines using the 747-400 have accelerated its retirement (as at 2015) and are replacing the model with more fuel efficient aircraft. The 747-400's leasing, resale and salvage value has dropped steeply because it is relatively expensive to operate. In most cases, it is being replaced with wide-body twin-engine aircraft like B777 or A330. The change in emphasis from hub and spoke operations to point-to-point flights has also reduced the need for jumbo jets.

For example, Delta Airlines has reduced the number of flights it operates from the United States to Narita International Airport that are intended to transfer passengers to other destinations in Asia. Instead, Delta will utilize twin-engine widebody aircraft operating from an expanded hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.[21] Total capacity will be cut, but consequentially load factors will increase. In April 2015, Delta announced it would accelerate the retirement of its 747-400 aircraft and replace them either with Airbus A330 aircraft reassigned from cancelled international runs, or with new Airbus A350 aircraft now on order. That will leave just six 747s flying for the airline in 2015. Delta could not keep the 747s full without deeply discounting ticket prices; the discounts and increased maintenance required of a four-engine aircraft led to a drag on profits.[22]

Moreover, economic weakness in air cargo markets has slowed demand for cargo conversions. Since the cost of replacing a 747-400 is high (an airline must purchase or lease another wide-body), some operators choose to fly the 747-400 to the conclusion of its accepted useful life and then scrap it. The current parts resale value for this aircraft has been reduced to its engines. When a 26-year-old 747-400 owned by Delta Airlines flew through a violent hailstorm, Delta indicated it was likely the plane would be scrapped. George Dimitroff, head of valuations for FlightGlobal, estimated the aircraft's value before the incident at about $8 million. He noted that this is not the same as its insured value.[23][24] Several airlines have retired their 747-400 from the trans-pacific market. Remaining operators in 2014 include EVA Air, Qantas, British Airways and United. United is retaining its 23 747-400s for now, but the airline's deployment of them also reflects a change in emphasis from Asian hubs to domestic hubs, meaning that it will have more direct flights from the United States to secondary Asian market cities. This may reduce the need for jumbo jets.[25]

Design

Underside view of an in-flight 747. Under each of the two wings are two engines.
A Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400
Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 arrives London Heathrow Airport (2010). The triple-slotted trailing edge flaps are well displayed.
Boeing 747-400 9M-MPB of Malaysia Airlines in the special "Hibiscus" livery, taking off from Runway 16R at Sydney airport

The 747-400's airframe features extended and lighter wings than previous 747s, capped by winglets. The winglets result in a 3 percent increase in long-range cruise, improved takeoff performance, and higher cruise altitudes.[12] The extended wingspan also gains an additional leading edge flap section.[12] When unfurnished, the basic 747-400 fuselage is lighter than preceding models, but when fitted out it is heavier and stronger than previous models.[26] The landing gear uses the same configuration as previous 747s, but with carbon brakes replacing the previous steel ones, and overall weight savings of 1,800 pounds (820 kg).[26]

The 747-400's glass cockpit features CRT displays which show flight instrumentation along with engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) diagnostics.[11] The flight engineer station on previous 747s is no longer installed, and the new displays and simplified layout results in a two-thirds reduction of switches, lights, and gauges versus the Classic 747.[11] Other new systems include an advanced Honeywell flight management computer (FMC) which assists pilots in calculating optimal altitudes and routes along with a Rockwell-Collins central maintenance computer (CMC) which automates troubleshooting tasks.[11]

The redesigned 747-400 interior features new cabin sidewalls, heat-resistant phenolic glass, carbon composite paneling, and larger storage bins.[13] An enhanced in-flight entertainment framework, called the Advanced Cabin Entertainment/Service System (ACESS), debuted on 747-400, which integrates 18-channel audio capability, four passenger intercom announcement zones, inter-cabin telephones, and passenger lighting into a central system.[27] An eight-bunk overhead crew rest is installed above the aft cabin, while a second crew rest area is located on the upper deck behind the cockpit for flight crew use.[27]

The last few 747-400s delivered features the Boeing Signature Interior, derived from the Boeing 777.[28]

Aircraft nose cabin with private first class suites.
Cathay Pacific 747-400 nose first class section
Aircraft main cabin with two aisle and multiple seat rows.
United Airlines 747-400 main deck economy class cabin
A forward-looking view in the stretched upper deck cabin of later 747s
British Airways 747-400 upper deck old style business class
Aircraft cabin with first class seats.
Delta Air Lines 747-400 main deck BusinessElite cabin
Air India Boeing 747-400 as Air India One at Toronto Pearson airport with support 747-400 in background

Variants

747-400

A large mostly-white four-engine jet airliner with golden stylized bird design, on approach towards left of screen with landing gear extended
Boeing 747-400 of Singapore Airlines, the type's first international operator

The original variant of the redesigned 747, the 747-400 debuted an increased wingspan, winglets, revised engines, and a glass cockpit which removed the need for a flight engineer. The type also featured the stretched upper deck (SUD) introduced with the 747-300. The passenger model formed the bulk of 747-400s sold, and 442 were built.

In 1989, a Qantas 747-400 flew non-stop from London to Sydney, a distance of 9,720 nmi (11,190 mi, 18,001 km), in 20 hours and 9 minutes to set a commercial aircraft world distance record.[29][30] As of 2014, this is the fastest heavyweight flight between London and Sydney.[31] This was a delivery flight with no commercial passengers or freight on board. During testing, the first 747-400 built also set a world record for the heaviest airliner takeoff on June 27, 1988, on a flight to simulate heavy-weight stalls.[15] The flight had a takeoff weight of 892,450 pounds (404,810 kg), and in order to satisfy Fédération Aéronautique Internationale regulations, the aircraft climbed to a height of 6,562 feet (2,000 m).[15]

747-400F

Cargolux 747-400F with the nose loading door open
Cargolux 747-400F with nose door open.

The 747-400F (Freighter) is an all freight version of the 747-400. While using the updated systems and wing design of the passenger versions, it features the original short upper deck found on the classic 747s in order to save weight. The model's first flight was on May 4, 1993, and it entered service with Cargolux on November 17, 1993. Major customers included Atlas Air, Cargolux, China Airlines, Korean Air, Nippon Cargo Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, and Singapore Airlines. The −400F can be easily distinguished from the passenger −400 by its shorter upper-deck hump and lack of windows along the main deck.

The 747-400F has a main deck nose door and a mechanized cargo handling system. The nose door swings up so that pallets or containers up to 40 ft (12 m) can be loaded straight in on motor-driven rollers. An optional main deck side cargo door (like the 747-400M (Combi)) allows loading of dimensionally taller cargo modules. A lower deck ("belly") side door allows loading of unit load devices (ULD) up to 163 cm in height. Boeing delivered 126 Boeing 747-400F aircraft with no unfilled orders as of November 2009.[2] The last −400F was delivered to Nippon Cargo Airlines on August 2, 2008.

747-400M

A KLM Boeing 747-400 Combi, on short final to JFK Airport in New York City

The 747-400M (a passenger/freight or "Combi" variant) first flew on June 30, 1989 and entered service with KLM on September 12, 1989. Based on the successful Combi versions of the Classic 747s, the −400M has a large cargo door fitted to the rear of the fuselage for freight loading to the aft main deck cargo hold. A locked partition separates the cargo area from the forward passenger cabin, and the −400M also features additional fire protection, a strengthened main deck floor, a roller-conveyor system, and passenger-to-cargo conversion equipment.[32] The last 747-400M was delivered to KLM on April 10, 2002.[16]

747-400D

Side quarter view of four-engine jet climbing in the sky.
Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400D at Tokyo International Airport

The 747-400D (Domestic) is a high density seating model developed for short-haul, high-volume domestic Japanese flights. This model is capable of seating a maximum of 568 passengers in a two-class configuration or 660 passengers in a single-class configuration.[3]

The −400D lacks the wingtip extensions and winglets included on other variants. Winglets would provide minimal benefits on short-haul routes, while adding extra weight and cost. The −400D may be converted to the long range version if needed. The 747-400D can be distinguished from the otherwise similar-looking 747-300 by the extra windows on the upper deck. These allow for extra seating at the rear of the upper deck, where a galley would normally be situated on longer flights. In total, 19 of the type were built, with the last example delivered to All Nippon Airways on February 11, 1996.[16] This variant was retired with ANA retiring its last 747 on March 31, 2014.

747-400ER

The 747-400ER (Extended Range) was launched on November 28, 2000 following an order by Qantas for six aircraft.[16] The model was commonly referred to as the '910k' signifying its maximum weight achieved via structural modifications and modified landing gear. This was the only order for the passenger version, chosen by Qantas to allow for full loads between Melbourne and Los Angeles, particularly in the western direction. The −400ER can fly 500 miles (805 km) further, or carry 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) more freight. The first 747-400ER was used as a test flight airplane and painted in Boeing colours, registration N747ER. Qantas received the first delivery of a 747−400ER Registration VH-OEF on October 31, 2002; this was the second airplane built. The flight test airplane was refurbished and delivered in Qantas livery. The 747-400ER included the option of one or two additional 3,240 US gal (12,300 L) body fuel tanks in the forward cargo hold, but no customers ordered the tanks. Manufactured by Marshall Aerospace, these tanks utilized metal to metal honeycomb-bonded technology to achieve a high fuel volume-to-dry weight ratio. The tanks featured a double wall, integrated venting system, and achieve fuel control via a modified Fuel System Management Card (FSMC) which optimizes fuel transfer into the Center Wing Tank (CWT) in flight along with the fuel transfer from the Horizontal Stabiliser Tank (HST). The tank is removable using tooling that interfaces with the cargo loading system. Similar technology has been used by Marshall in the development of body fuel tanks for the Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing P-8A Poseidon. Other changes to the 747-400ER include relocation of oxygen system components and the potable water system tanks and pumps since the body fuel tanks prevent access to the standard locations.

747-400ERF

Large four-engine jet freighter whose body are painted in two blue and white halves; the top blue half has large lettering. The stabilizer is mostly white. It is on approach towards left of screen with landing gear extended
KLM Boeing 747-400ERF at Schiphol International Airport

The 747-400ERF (747-400ER Freighter) is the freight version of the −400ER, launched on April 30, 2001.[16] The 747-400ERF is similar to the 747-400F, except for increased gross weight capability which allows it to carry more cargo weight. Unlike the 747-400ER, no customers ordered the optional body fuel tanks (cargo compartment fuel tanks). The 747-400ERF has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,769 kg) and a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760 kg). It offers cargo airlines the choice of either adding 22,000 pounds (9,980 kg) more payload than other 747-400 freighter variants, or adding 525 nautical miles (972 km) to the maximum range.[33]

The -400ERF has a range of 5,700 miles (9,200 km) with maximum payload, about 326 miles (525 km) farther than the standard 747-400 freighter, and has a strengthened fuselage, landing gear, and parts of its wing, along with new, larger tires. The first −400ERF was delivered to Air France (via ILFC) on October 17, 2002. Boeing has delivered 40 Boeing 747-400ERFs with no outstanding orders.[2] The new 747-8 Freighter has more payload capacity, but less range than the 747-400ERF.[citation needed]

747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter

The 747-400BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), formerly known as the 747-400SF (Special Freighter), is a conversion program for standard passenger 747-400s. The project was launched in 2004 and will be done by approved contractors such as TAECO, KAL Aerospace and SIA Engineering. The first Boeing 747-400BCF was redelivered to Cathay Pacific Cargo and entered service on December 19, 2005. This kind of converting procedure is located at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport in China.

The 747-400BDSF (Bedek Special Freighter) is another converted version freighter by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The first 747-400BDSF was redelivered to Air China Cargo.[citation needed] EVA Air's several Boeing 747-45EM planes have been converted as BDSF model after retiring from passenger service upon the delivery of Boeing 777-300ER planes.[34] This kind of converting procedure is located at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Neither the 747-400BCF nor the 747-400BDSF have a nose cargo door; freight can only be loaded through the side cargo door.

747 Large Cargo Freighter

Main article: Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter
Side quarter view of four-engine jet climbing in the sky.
Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter at Chūbu Centrair International Airport, Japan

Boeing announced in October 2003 that, because of the amount of time involved with marine shipping, air transport would be the primary method of transporting parts for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Pre-owned passenger 747-400 aircraft have been converted into an outsize, "Large Cargo Freighter" (LCF) configuration to ferry sub-assemblies to Everett, Washington for final assembly.[35] The LCF has a bulging fuselage similar to that of the Aero Spacelines Super Guppy or Airbus Beluga cargo aircraft.

The conversion, designed by Boeing engineers from Puget Sound, Moscow and Canoga Park, Cal., and Gamesa Aeronáutica in Spain,[36] was carried out in Taiwan by a subsidiary of the Evergreen Group.[37] Boeing purchased four second-hand aircraft and had them all converted;[38] the fourth and final LCF took its first flight in January 2010.

Delivery times are as low as a day using the 747 LCF, compared to up to 30 days for deliveries by ship.[38] The LCF has the largest cargo hold of any aircraft and can hold three times the volume of a 747-400F freighter.[36][39] The LCF is not a Boeing production model and has not been offered for sale to any customers. The LCFs are intended for Boeing's exclusive use.

Government, military and other variants

  • C-33: Proposed U.S. military transport version of the 747-400, intended to augment the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III fleet. The C-33 cost less and had greater range, although it could not use austere runways or handle outsize military equipment and had a higher expected operating cost. The plan was canceled in favor of the purchase of more C-17s.[40]
  • YAL-1: "Airborne Laser" carrier based on a 747-400F for the United States Air Force. The aircraft has been heavily modified to carry a nose mounted turret and Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) equipment in order to shoot down ICBMs. Retired to the 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 2012 after cancellation of the program funding.[41]
  • A number of other governments also use the 747-400 as a VIP transport, including Bahrain, Brunei, India, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
  • A used Virgin 747-400 will serve as the launcher for Virgin Galactic LauncherOne Air launch to orbit orbital rocket.[42]

Operators

See also: List of Boeing 747 operators

As of October 2015, Boeing 747-400s are in service with the following operators:

Commercial

Former operators

This list also includes carriers that used the aircraft temporarily, besides main operators.

Commercial

Deliveries

Type Total 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
747-400 440 2 3 6 5 19 9 34 43 30 18 16 32 42 47 48 54 34
747-400D 21 2 1 6 8 2
747-400ER 6 3 3
747-400ERF 40 6 6 8 6 2 5 4 3
747-400F 126 2 8 8 8 9 7 6 15 12 15 10 8 4 3 5 4 2
747-400M 63 1 1 3 2 5 5 2 3 6 6 12 8 7
Total 694 8 14 16 14 13 15 19 27 31 25 47 53 39 26 25 40 56 61 62 62 41

Incidents and accidents

See also: Boeing 747 hull losses

The first hull loss of a 747-400 occurred on November 4, 1993 when China Airlines Flight 605, flying from Taipei to Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport, touched down more than 2,100 feet (640 m) past the runway's displaced threshold during 20 knot (gusting 38) crosswinds. Combined with the disengagement of auto brakes and retracted speed brakes, manual braking and thrust reversal were not enough to prevent the aircraft from sliding into Victoria Harbour. No one was seriously injured, but the aircraft was written off.[45] The type's second hull loss occurred on October 31, 2000, when Singapore Airlines Flight 006, a 747-400 flying on a Singapore to Los Angeles route via Taipei, rammed into construction equipment while attempting to take off from a closed runway at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed, killing 79 passengers and four crew members.[46] The cause was attributed to the flight crew navigating to the wrong runway.[46]

The 747-400F has recorded 3 hull-loss accidents. On September 3, 2010, UPS Airlines Flight 6 from Dubai International Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport, a 747-400F with two crew members on board, crashed roughly 25 minutes after departure. The crew declared an emergency, apparently due to an in-flight fire, and after abandoning one attempt at landing were unable to see their instruments. The aircraft impacted with the ground at high speed, killing both crew members.[47][48] On July 28, 2011, Asiana Airlines Flight 991, a Boeing 747-400F flying from Incheon Airport to Shanghai Pudong Airport, crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Jeju Island, South Korea, after reportedly suffering mechanical problems due to a possible on-board fire. Two crew members on board were killed.[49] A National Air Cargo 747-400BCF crashed April 29, 2013 (the 25th anniversary of the type's first flight) at Bagram Air Base Afghanistan killing 7 crew members. The crash was attributed to a cargo shift of military vehicles to the back of the hold during take-off.[50]

Other incidents involving the 747-400 did not result in irreparable aircraft damage. On December 15, 1989, KLM Flight 867, a 747-400M, en route to Narita International Airport via Anchorage International Airport, flew through a thick cloud of volcanic ash, causing severe damage to the aircraft and replacement of all four engines.[51] On July 23, 1999, a man killed the pilot of All Nippon Airways Flight 61, a 747-400D bound for New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, Hokkaidō from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), during an attempted hijacking, and was restrained by other crew members; the aircraft landed safely.[52] On September 23, 1999, Qantas Flight 1, flying from Sydney to London via Bangkok, overran the runway after touching down more than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) from the threshold during a storm with heavy rain, resulting in aircraft damage and minor passenger injuries.[53] On January 31, 2001, the pilot of Japan Airlines Flight 907, a 747-400D bound for Naha International Airport from Tokyo International Airport, made an emergency dive, narrowly avoiding a collision with a Japan Airlines DC-10.[54] On October 9, 2002, Northwest Airlines Flight 85, traveling from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Narita International Airport, made an emergency landing at Anchorage International Airport after a sudden lower rudder hardover.[55] On July 25, 2008, Qantas Flight 30, traveling to Melbourne Airport from Hong Kong International Airport, made an emergency landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines with a gaping hole in its lower forward fuselage; no one was hurt, and authorities determined that an exploding emergency oxygen supply bottle was the most likely cause.[56][57][58] In June 2015, a Delta Airlines 747-400 was so badly damaged by hail while flying over China that, after emergency repairs at Incheon International Airport, it will likely be returned to the United States to be scrapped. The pilot told the passengers that the aircraft encountered the violent storm because Chinese air controllers had refused permission to change course and avoid the storm.[24]

Aircraft on display

Specifications

Model 747-400 747-400ER 747-400F 747-400ERF
Cockpit crew Two
Seating capacity
or
Cargo capacity		 416 (3-class) or 524 (2-class)
660 (400D, 1-class)[3]		 Main deck: 30 pallets
Lower deck: 32 LD-1 containers
Max. payload: 248,300 lb (112,630 kg)		 Main deck: 30 pallets
Lower deck: 32 LD-1 containers
Max. payload: 248,600 lb (112,760 kg)
Overall length 231 ft 10 in (70.6 m)
Wingspan 211 ft 5 in (64.4 m)
Wing area 6027.78 ft² (560 m²)
Aspect ratio 7.4 
Overall height 63 ft 8 in (19.4 m)
Operating empty weight
(typical)		 394,100 lb
(178,800 kg)		 406,900 lb
(184,570 kg)		 364,000 lb
(165,107 kg)		 362,400 lb
(164,382 kg)
Maximum take-off weight 875,000 lb
(396,890 kg)		 910,000 lb
(412,775 kg)		 875,000 lb
(396,890 kg)		 910,000 lb
(412,775 kg)
Cruising speed
at 35,000 feet		 Mach 0.85
(567 mph, 493 knots, 912 km/h)		 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
(608 mph, 528 kn, 978 km/h)
Takeoff field length
(MTOW, SL, ISA)		 3,200 m (10,500 ft) 3,100 m (10,200 ft) 3,250 m (10,660 ft) 3,100 m (10,200 ft)
Maximum range
with maximum payload		 7,260 nmi
(13,450 km)[61]		 7,670 nmi
(14,205 km)[61]		 4,445 nmi
(8,230 km)		 4,970 nmi
(9,200 km)
Maximum fuel capacity 57,285 US gal (216,840 L) 63,705 US gal (241,140 L) 57,285 US gal (216,840 L)
Engine models (x 4) PW 4056
GE CF6-80C2B1F
RR RB211-524H		 PW 4062
GE CF6-80C2B5F		 PW 4062
GE CF6-80C2B5F
RR RB211-524H		 PW 4062
GE CF6-80C2B5F
Engine thrust (x 4) 63,300 lbf (282 kN) PW
62,100 lbf (276 kN) GE
59,500 lbf (265 kN) RR		 63,300 lbf (282 kN) PW
62,100 lbf (276 kN) GE		 63,300 lbf (282 kN) PW
62,100 lbf (276 kN) GE
59,500 lbf (265 kN) RR		 63,300 lbf (282 kN) PW
62,100 lbf (276 kN) GE

Sources: 747-400 specifications,[62] 747-400/-400ER airport report,[63] Gilchrist[64]

See also

External image
Boeing 747-400 cutaway
image icon Boeing 747-400 cutaway from Flightglobal.com

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b c "747-400 passenger jet is no more". Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March 17, 2007. Retrieved: September 9, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c 747 Model Orders and Deliveries data. Boeing, November 2009. Retrieved: December 22, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c "747" (PDF). Boeing.com. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Kingsley-Jones, Max. "Chapter closes as Boeing finally delivers last of original 747s". Flight International, December 22, 2009.
  5. ^ a b Dorr 2002, p. 23.
  6. ^ Norris & Wagner 1999, pp. 16–17.
  7. ^ Boeing 747–300. Airliners.net
  8. ^ a b c d e f Norris & Wagner 1999, p. 74.
  9. ^ Dorr 2002, p. 24.
  10. ^ a b Dorr 2002, p. 25.
  11. ^ a b c d e f Norris & Wagner 1999, pp. 79–81.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Norris & Wagner 1999, pp. 75–77.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Norris & Wagner 1999, pp. 81–85.
  14. ^ Dorr 2002, pp. 35–36.
  15. ^ a b c d e f Dorr 2002, pp. 26–27.
  16. ^ a b c d e About the 747 Family, Boeing, retrieved June 12, 2006.
  17. ^ Dorr 2002, p. 20
  18. ^ a b c d e Norris & Wagner 1999, pp. 85–87.
  19. ^ Airline Flies a 747 on Fuel From a Plant, New York Times on-line edition, December 30, 2008
  20. ^ Flight International, March 27 – April 2, 2007
  21. ^ Schofield, Adriean, et al., Jumbos bow out, Aviation Week and Space Technology, September 15, 2014, pp. 21-22
  22. ^ "Delta's Boeing 747s Are Flying Off Into the Sunset". Investopedia. April 24, 2015.
  23. ^ Compart, Andrew, Young at part, Aviation Week and Space Technology, April 15, 2013, pp. 44-46
  24. ^ a b Hammerand, Jim (June 30, 2015). "Hail pummels Delta's N664US Boeing 747; NWA's "Spirit of Beijing" may face scrapyard (Photos) - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal". www.bizjournals.com/. American City Business Journals. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  25. ^ Adrian Schofield, Madhu Unnikrishnan and Sean Broderick. "Airlines Cut 747s From Asia-Pacific Networks" Aviation Week & Space Technology, 16 September 2014. Accessed: 17 September 2014. Archived on 17 September 2014
  26. ^ a b Dorr 2002, pp. 45–47
  27. ^ a b Dorr 2002, pp. 14–16.
  28. ^ "The Boeing 747-400 Family: The Right Choice for The Large Airplane Market. Official Website. http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/747family/pf/pf_400back.page". Boeing.com. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)
  29. ^ "Boeing aircraft Take Qantas Further". Qantas. Access date: November 11, 2013.
  30. ^ "FAI Record ID #2201 - Distance" Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Retrieved: 17 September 2014.
  31. ^ "FAI Record ID #2202 - Speed over a recognised course" Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). Retrieved: 17 September 2014.
  32. ^ Dorr 2002, pp. 55–57.
  33. ^ Boeing, Cathay Pacific Airways Celebrate First 747-400ERF Delivery
  34. ^ [1]
  35. ^ Lunsford, J. L. "Ugly in the Air: Boeing's New Plane Gets Gawks, Stares". The Wall Street Journal. January 8, 2007.
  36. ^ a b "Boeing's 747 Large Cargo Freighter Development on Plan." Boeing Commercial Airplanes press release. February 22, 2005.
  37. ^ "Boeing Selects EGAT for 747 Large Cargo Freighter Modifications." Boeing Commercial Airplanes press release. February 18, 2005.
  38. ^ a b 747 Dreamlifter fact sheet. Boeing.com.
  39. ^ "Boeing 7E7 Will Use Air Transport for Component Delivery." Boeing Commercial Airplanes press release. October 13, 2003.
  40. ^ Tirpak, John A. "Airlift Moves Up and Out". Air Force Magazine, February 1996.
  41. ^ http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/aircraft-pictures/boeing-yal-1-airborne-laser/
  42. ^ http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-12/04/virgin-galactic-747-satellite-launcher
  43. ^ Skyliner – aviation news & more
  44. ^ "New Republic of Korea Air Force One" ," Airliners.net
  45. ^ China Airlines Flight 605 accident description. Second hull loss of 747-400 has occurred in August 5, 1998 when Korean Air Flight 8702,flying from Tokyo Naritato SeoulGimp Int'l,overran the runway about 340m.The cause of this incident is the weather. No one has dead.25 people minorly injured.Aviation Safety
  46. ^ a b "Aircraft Accident Report ASC-AAR-02-04-001: Crashed on a partially closed runway during takeoff Singapore Airlines Flight 006 Boeing 747-400, 9V-SPK CKS Airport, Taoyuan, Taiwan October 31, 2000", Aviation Safety Council, Taiwan, Republic of China
  47. ^ UPS names 2 who died in Dubai crash – TODAY News – TODAYshow.com
  48. ^ "N571UP Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  49. ^ "Asiana Airlines cargo plane crashes off Jeju" (in Korean). Yonhap News. July 28, 2011. Retrieved September 9, 2011.
  50. ^ http://www.carscoops.com/2013/04/dash-cam-captures-shocking-boeing-747.html
  51. ^ KLM Flight 867
  52. ^ "World: Asia-Pacific Japanese hijacker kills pilot". BBC
  53. ^ ATSB Final Report Qantas Flight 1. ATSB, April 26, 2001.
  54. ^ "Accident Investigation to a Near Mid-Air Collision". asasi.org
  55. ^ "ANC03IA001." (Archive) National Transportation Safety Board. Retrieved on December 23, 2012. "the captain said the airplane was at a cruise altitude of 35,000 feet with the autopilot engaged, when it abruptly rolled into a 30 to 40 degree left bank."
  56. ^ Qantas to Examine Oxygen Bottles, New York Times, July 28, 2008
  57. ^ Wall, Robert. "Qantas 747 Lands After Fuselage Part Detaches", Aviation Week, July 25, 2008.
  58. ^ Aviation Safety Investigation Report, March 6, 2009
  59. ^ https://www.deltamuseum.org/exhibits/exhibits/aircraft/boeing-747-400
  60. ^ http://hars.org.au/boeing-747-438-longreach/
  61. ^ a b With 412 passengers and baggage
  62. ^ "747 specifications". Boeing. Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2007. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  63. ^ "747-400/-400ER Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning". Boeing. Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. Retrieved June 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  64. ^ Gilchrist, Peter. Boeing 747-400. Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International, 1998. ISBN 0-7603-0616-8.

Bibliography

  • Dorr, Robert F. (2002). Airliner Tech Series: Boeing 747-400. North Branch, MN: Specialty Press Publishers. ISBN 1-58007-055-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
  • Norris, Guy; Wagner, Mark (1999). "747: Advancing the Legend". Modern Boeing Jetliners. Osceola, Wisconsin: Zenith Imprint. ISBN 0-7603-0717-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)
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