Boeing 747 830 specifications. The best and worst places

The Boeing 747 is the world's first long-haul wide-body passenger aircraft equipped with two decks. This is an outwardly recognizable glider, due to the presence of the upper deck, which is noticeably inferior in length to the first floor, thereby forming a kind of elevation in the nose of the aircraft.

Manufacturer - The Boeing Company, an American corporation, one of the leading aircraft manufacturers civil aviation. The company has been operating for more than 100 years, founded in 1916. In addition to designing and manufacturing passenger aircraft Boeing is engaged in the development and creation of military helicopters, missiles and satellites, information, electronic, defense systems. The company's headquarters is located in Chicago.

Modifications

The production of the first Boeing 747 took place in 1966. Over the decades of creating this line of gliders, the company has developed and produced the following aircraft modifications.

Technical characteristics of passenger aircraft Boeing 747

747-100

The first version of the aircraft is the Boeing 747. In total, the corporation produced 250 such aircraft, of which 167 had the original configuration, 45 corresponded to the SF subgroup, 29 - SR, 9 - 100B.

The original version - 747-100 was produced on September 02, 1968, the first commercial flight took place on January 01, 1970.

Interesting. On the first liners released, the upper deck was not a space for ordinary passengers. It housed a resting place equipped with three portholes. Over time, the deck was rebuilt into a standard compartment, where passengers of the 1st class and the business category were seated mainly.

Variations 747-100:

• 747-100 (SF) - aircraft rebuilt from the base model for the transport of goods;
• 747SR - variation of 747-100, created for the purposes of short-haul flights; compared to the base configuration, the SR contained a reduced fuel capacity and had a larger passenger compartment, capable of transporting first 500 and then 550 people. The 747SR has a variation with a longer second deck - 747SUD, in total there are 3 such copies, all of them were delivered for the Japanese carrier Japan Airlines;
• 747-100V - copies of this modification differed from the main version in an optimized control system and chassis.

The delivery of liners of this assembly was completed in 1986, the last 747-100SR was sent to Japan by Japan Airlines.

747-SP

This variation is an improved 747-100. 747SP is shorter than the previous modification, its release was intended to solve the following problems:

• Competition with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011, which won at that time in terms of weight and flight distance;
• The performance of ultra-long flights, that is, the liner had to have a greater range and cruising speed.

The year the 747SP was launched was 1976, the year mass production ended was 1983.

747-200

This modification appeared on the airliner market in 1971. The aircraft of this configuration differed from its predecessor by an engine with increased thrust and a high takeoff weight. Such characteristics were a factor in increasing the flight range.

Starter copies 747-200 were the last in the 747 line, where there were only 3 windows on the 2nd floor. On subsequent liners of this and other modifications, the upper tier had 10 windows.

Modification options 747-200:

• 747-200V - the last variation of the passenger aircraft of this group, the maximum flight distance of 10800 km is realized here;
• 747-200С - liners of this modification have the ability to carry both passengers and cargo;
• 747-200F - cargo aircraft;
• 747-200M Combi - simultaneous transportation of goods and people is possible.

On the basis of the 747-200 modification, gliders were designed for the US Air Force, as well as 2 government aircraft for transporting the leader of the state.

The production of Boeing 747-200 models was discontinued in 1991.

747-300

Aircraft of this modification began to be produced in 1980. Their distinguishing feature is increased passenger capacity, due to the increase in space on the upper tier. The staircase was changed from the lower to the upper deck, it became straight, against the previously installed spiral. The maximum flight range reached 12,400 km.

Modification options 747-300:

• 747-300M - cargo-passenger;
• 747-300SR - short haul.

747-400

Commissioned in 1989, the liner model has become the most popular in the series.

Reasons for this:

• Profitability in comparison with the predecessor was 25%;
• Less noise;
• The cockpit was equipped with new avionics, which made it possible not to involve a flight engineer in the flight;
• Increased comfort of internal passenger spaces.

Modification options:

• 747-400D - passenger aircraft with a capacity of up to 594 people. The model was produced for Japanese domestic airlines and for a long time, until 2005, was the leader in terms of passenger capacity on a global scale;
• 747-400F;
• 747-400SF - this and the previous modifications are cargo;
• 747-400ER - a liner with a longer flight range;
• 747-400M - cargo-passenger.

747-8

Airframes of this modification entered service in 2010.

They are distinguished from the 747-400 version by a 5.5-meter hull elongation and a take-off mass increased to the maximum value in the line - 442 tons. The main technical innovations touched the wing, which was almost completely redesigned.

Modification options:

• 747-8 Freighter - cargo;
• 747-8 Intercontinental - passenger.

Aircraft for the US BBC and presidential versions are also being developed on the basis of the 747-8, designed to replace the previously created Boeing 747-200 gliders.

At the end of 2016, the manufacturing corporation ordered 138 aircraft, 42 of which are passenger.

747 LCF Dreamlifter

Created in 2006, the cargo airframe entered service in August 2007. Its purpose is to transport parts for the assembly of the new Boeing 787. The new modification differs from the Boeing 747-400F cargo aircraft by a threefold increased capacity of the cargo compartment.

To date, flights are made by 4 units.

Salon scheme

The two-story liner of the basic modification is equipped with a cabin for business class passengers - rows 1-3 on the upper deck and 5 economy class compartments - rows 10-67, on the lower deck.

When choosing a seat on board, you need to pay attention to the presence or absence of an adjoining emergency exit, the number of adjacent seats.

The layout of the seats for 2, 3 and 4 makes it possible to comfortably accommodate a family or a traveling couple.

Two seats are arranged in the first economy class cabin on rows 10 and 11 and in the 5th passenger compartment on rows 64-66 - in the seat blocks near the windows.

Three chairs each - in rows 12 to 18 of the first salon, in the rest - in blocks by the window.

The middle block of seats of 2-5 economy class compartments is equipped with grouped seats of 4 chairs.

Travelers with children are not allowed to sit on the blocks of seats adjacent to the emergency exits. The most convenient flight will be in the first rows of 2-5 cabins, row numbers: 14, 27, 40, 51, in seats located in the middle block.

The cabins of the aircraft are equipped with TVs located at the beginning of each passenger compartment.

Boeing 747-SP

The fundamental difference between the aircraft of this modification is the extension of the upper tier and the placement of more seats there for economy class passengers.

The four remaining compartments accommodate economy class passengers.

The choice of seats is similar to modification 747-100. The places next to the emergency exits are the most convenient in terms of inter-row space, but it is forbidden to place them with children.

Boeing 747-200V

The diagram shows the first version of the liner with three lines of seats on the upper deck, then the number of windows was increased to a dozen and the number of rows was increased.

In total, 6 salons are equipped on board.

On rows from 10 to 67, from the 2nd to the 4th salons, economy class passengers are accommodated. The seats are arranged in 2, 3 seats in the side blocks of seats, by the window and 4 in the middle.

Toilet rooms are located on the upper deck in the bow, on the lower deck - between saloons 1 and 2, 3 and 4, as well as in the tail section.

Emergency exits are located on the upper deck at the beginning of the cabin, on the lower deck - in the separating space between the passenger compartments.

You can sit with a child in any row of seats, except for those adjacent to emergency exits- row 32.

Passengers with babies have the opportunity to install a baby cot, such a service is possible when flying on rows 21, 34, 43, places D-G.

There are screens on board located in front of each passenger compartment.

In total, 69 rows are equipped inside the aircraft, located in 7 cabins.

1st - located on the upper deck, has 3 rows of seats, grouped in 2, separated by one passage. It can accommodate 6 business class passengers.

Salon 2 of the upper deck, like all the rooms of the lower tier, is designed for economy class passengers. Rows 4 to 9 are equipped with two blocks of seats, grouped in 3 and separated by an aisle.

In saloon 1 of the lower deck, rows 10 to 18 are installed, in which the seats are grouped in 2 and 3 seats.

In subsequent salons, the seats are grouped into 3 seats in the side blocks and 4 in the average. Exception: rows 19 and 20, where the middle block can accommodate 2 seats, as well as rows 66-68, where 2 seats are in the side blocks.

It is permissible to place a baby cradle on rows 34, 44, 57, places D-G.

747-400ER

The aircraft is equipped with 6 cabins, including:

• 1 - for imperial class passengers, equipped with rows 1 to 4;
• 1 - for business class passengers, located on the top floor and equipped with rows 5 to 11;
• 4 - for travelers in economy class, rows 12 to 64.

Economy class passengers can be accommodated in seats grouped by 2 and 3 seats on the side blocks near the windows, and 4 in the middle block.

Those traveling with an infant and needing a baby cot should choose seats in the following rows:

• 5 (business class);
• 15, places D-G;
• 16, places A-C;
• 26, places H-L;
• 27, seats D-G;
• 35, places D-G;
• 52, places D-G.

In this modification, in addition to the main screen, each cabin has built-in screens on the backs of the seats in front. It is possible to individually select video and radio channels.

747-8I

The aircraft is equipped with 6 passenger cabins:

• For passengers of the first or imperial class - the 1st in the bow of the glider on the lower deck, equipped with three rows of seats;
• For business class passengers - salon 2 on the lower deck and upper deck space;

• Economy class passengers can be accommodated in 3-5 lounges on the lower deck. The middle block of seats - grouped by 4 chairs. On the side blocks, the seats are connected in 3 places or 2 in the tail section of the aircraft.

The baby bassinet can be installed:

1. Upper deck: row 16 seats H, J;
2. On the lower deck:

• At the beginning of the second salon in front of seats A, B and H, J;
• Third salon - row 31, seats D-G and H-K;
• Fourth - row 38, places D-G;
• Fifth - row 51, seats D-G.

The cabins of the aircraft are equipped with a common screen located in front of all passengers on the middle partition and individual screens in the backs of the seats in front, there is an individual channel control panel, including radio, the possibility of computer games.

Regardless of which aircraft modification of the Boeing 747 will travel on, it is worth knowing a few general rules by choice of location:

1. Row layout may vary depending on the selected airline. This applies mainly to the latest modifications of gliders and flights of airlines carrying passengers in first and business class cabins;
2. The latest modifications of the Boeing 747 are distinguished by a reduced noise level. But it is worth knowing what is the least noisy in the bow of the airframe, that is, in places located in front and farther from the engines;
3. In salons economy class there are rows with extended inter-row space, for example, at emergency exits;
4. The armrests of the seats do not recline along the edges of the rows, and also often in the front rows of salons. Many airlines provide aircraft diagrams with a special icon indicating this moment;
5. The first rows of armchairs in the salons are not equipped with folding tables, but with retractable ones from the armrests.

Taking into account the above factors and mastering the scheme of seats will allow you to choose the best seat.

Exploitation

Boeing 747 cannot be called a popular aircraft among the world's air carriers. The main competitors of this model are Airbus A300 and Boeing 767. The most frequent flights on Boeing 747 liners are carried out by Asian carriers. So until 2011, the Japanese company Japan Airlines was the largest operator of the 747th.

Today, the largest number of Boeing 747-400 units is in the fleet of the British British airways - 48 copies. They fly to Beijing, Dubai, Cape Town, Mexico City and other cities and countries.

In Russia Boeing passenger 747-400 existed as part of the Transaero airline fleet, later transferred to the Rossiya air carrier, where they are still in operation.

Concerning cargo aircraft line 747, then in Russia they are operated by the largest air cargo carrier AirBridgeCargo and Sky airline Gates Airlines

The latest modifications of the Boeing 747 guarantee the safety, speed and comfort of flight. However, to experience new developments Boeing, most likely, will be possible only on flights of foreign air carriers.

Video

The famous Boeing 747 underwent a radical reconstruction at the beginning of the 21st century. The time has come to create something new on the basis of the legendary aircraft of aeronautics, which for 40 years held the palm in civil aviation. This new aircraft is the Boeing 747-8, a long-range, four-engine, extended-body jet that began work in 2005.

It took the manufacturer five years to finalize the new airliner. In February 2010, the first flight of a new model of the 747 family took place. Two years later, Lufthansa acquired new aircraft, and by 2014 applications for 119 aircraft of various modifications were received.

The model is available in the following versions according to its purpose:

• passenger;
• cargo;
• VIP version.

Already at the end of the last century, Boeing engineers thought about creating a more spacious, but at the same time economical and environmentally friendly version of the aircraft. Already in 1996, experimental models 747-500X and 600X were presented, which were based on an increase in the length of the fuselage. Then the novelty did not arouse interest among air carriers.

At the beginning of the 2000s, in response to the appearance of the A380 prototype, the Airbus A3XX aircraft, the American corporation created the 747X model, which was sent to the series as the 747-400. Based on this development, in 2004 Boeing adopted a program to create the 747 Advanced project, and a year later the 747-8 preparation project was approved.

Initially, the equipment of the new model was planned to be carried out according to the scheme of the 787th Boeing. They wanted to install the same cabin and a similar set of engines on the novelty. It was decided to borrow from the "big brother" and the electric remote control system. For the training of flight personnel, it was possible to use the current model 747-400.

The first draft of the cargo version of the aircraft was ready. In 2006, it was approved by the company, and in the second half of 2008, the construction of the Boeing 747-8 Freighter began. By this time, the corporation had only one order for the passenger version, and all attention was focused on the creation of the Freighter. It should be noted that the situation almost put an end to the development of the passenger version.

In 2010, tests of the 747-8F were completed, with three experimental models making their first test flights. Later, on the basis of the experience of these aircraft, all the shortcomings were eliminated and a fourth test board was created, and then mass production of the new series began.

The main technical characteristics of the Boeing 747-800

The longest passenger liner in the world received a fuselage of 76.3 meters. Another important change made by the designers was the revision of the wing shape. The engineers suggested making it thinner and wider than its counterparts, and recalculated the fuel load and aerodynamic properties. The cargo version is designed for 243 tons of fuel, and the passenger one carries 10 less. The flap configuration has also been revised.

Carbon fiber was used in the creation of the new aircraft, which also made it possible to reduce weight. The power plant of the aircraft is represented by an adapted version of the General Electric GEnx engine. It was reduced to fit under the wing. A new on-board computer system was specially developed and implemented for the aircraft. Each version of the 747-8 family has its own characteristics, which we will consider in more detail.

The new aircraft replaced the very popular 747-400F in 2005-2010, which carried out half of the world's cargo transportation during these years. In this version, the liner is capable of carrying 140 tons of cargo over a distance exceeding 8,000 kilometers. In addition, it has become much more economical in terms of cost per ton-kilometer than its predecessor.

Option for passenger traffic was launched recently. In addition to the record length, this model boasts the ability to take on board 467 passengers and fly with them for 15 thousand kilometers. The volume of the cargo compartment has increased.

The changes also affected the interior design. passenger liner. So, a curved staircase began to connect the decks, the main entrance became more spacious. In the cabin, the design of the upper shelves for wearable items was redesigned, it also received large windows. A modern LED lighting system has also been implemented here.

In the photo of the Boeing 747-800, you can see the majesty of this huge machine. Consider the main characteristics of this aircraft model:

• L - 77.25 m;
• H –19.35 m;
• wingspan - 68745 m;
• weight - 213 tons;
• takeoff weight at maximum - 442 tons;
• cruising speed - 917 km / h;
• maximum speed - 988 km / h;
• height ceiling - 13.1 km;
• crew - 2 people;
• capacity - 605 seats in economy class.

Boeing 747-800 cabin layout

Boeing 747-800 cabin layout in Russia

Russian air carriers purchased the first passenger-class aircraft of the new model already in 2013. The design of the cabin is very roomy, which makes transportation on these aircraft more cost-effective and attractive in price for passengers.The two-deck salon is divided in the classic version into four zones:

• first class in the nose of the aircraft on the first deck is limited to 8 passengers;
• business class seats are located on both decks according to the 2-2-2- and 2-2 scheme. Only 20 seats on board;
• premium economy class in the middle of the cabin on both decks has a total of 32 seats;
• economy class at the rear on both decks, 244 standard seats.

According to passengers, there is not much legroom on the plane, there are good and bad seats, which is important during a long flight.Let's consider the most successful options using the example of a complete cabin by the German company Lufthansa.

Boeing 747-800 cabin

The best seats on board

In the VIP class, it is advised to choose seats in the middle of the cabin. They are more advantageous than the first sofas, due to the fact that they are located on the bend of the cabin with a cabin and are somewhat limited in the space provided to the passenger. Otherwise, first class is first class.

In business class, the most comfortable seats are on the upper deck in the middle of the zone. They are separated by installed partitions with monitors. Thus, the sofa chairs are fenced off from the rest of the space and have enough space for a comfortable flight.Many also recommend the central seats on the main deck, which offer better performance than those located elsewhere in the saloon.

The economy class in the standard configuration of the cabin with multi-row seats does not imply much comfort. However, passengers who have flown this way recommend, above all, seats at the beginning of this zone. These are open chairs with a margin of legroom.

Seats at the end of the cabin are considered another comfort zone, provided that you receive service last. But there are only two twin seats and a lot of space on the left and right.

Usually in economy class cabins they use all the space for installing seats, but there are niches that, due to the ergonomics of the cabin itself, allow you to feel more comfortable. Sometimes seats in paired rows, which are closer to the windows, are located very favorably in relation to the previous row. It is primarily about the space for the legs of passengers. Most a large number of complaints addressed to air carriers are received due to the limitation of this possibility.

Boeing 747-800 business class cabin

Possible inconveniences in flight, passenger reviews about 747-8

The most inconvenient, according to passengers, are seats in the central row of the economy class. Here, the passenger has difficulty accessing common areas or the kitchen. During the flight, neighbors from both sides press on him, depriving him of free space.

How to choose the best seat in the cabin

If you do not have the opportunity to purchase a ticket in business or first class, then try to secure a seat in premium class for a long flight. This will save you from many problems during the trip associated with a comfortable pastime.

It should be noted that the cabins of modern airliners are equipped with all the necessary facilities for leisure or work of passengers during the flight. Monitors are installed here to watch your favorite TV channels, and in our case they are still covered by a screen, which does not distract other passengers.

A special place is given to the provision of wireless Internet connection during long-haul flights. Thanks to this, you can do your usual work, have fun or contact your loved ones through instant messengers.

In order to ensure a comfortable flight, you need to take care of the conditions in advance. The website of the air carriers, where you can book or buy a ticket, usually contains information about the layout of the cabin. The diagram clearly shows the features of the position of a particular chair. In general, the feedback from those who have already flown this aircraft is very positive.

By taking into account all of the above, you will be able to determine in advance which place to choose. It is important that in the policy of many airlines early booking seats slightly reduces the cost of the ticket.

In contact with

The Boeing family of aircraft is constantly growing and expanding. Moreover, many representatives of this brand are well known all over the world and are popular with airline owners - the latter willingly include such liners in their fleets. One of the very successful models was the Boeing 747, which later underwent a number of changes and today is a modern and powerful machine. Now the company's engineers were able to create fundamentally new model, which can compete with the main leader of the modern market Airbus A380 - Boeing 747-8 (or Boeing 747-800).

Boeing 747-800 is an aircraft designed for flights over long distances. It is considered long-haul, has 4 engines and a wider fuselage design. The development of the model began in 2005. The first finished liners entered the market only in 2014. And this is provided that they were based on the well-known model that held the lead for 40 years - the Boeing 747.

Today, a new type of airliner is offered immediately in 3 types:

• Passenger options
• Freight
• VIP version

How the liner was created

At the end of the 20th century, Boeing specialists thought about creating a more spacious liner, but at the same time meeting the principles of economy and environmental friendliness. The first models under the code numbers 747-500X and 600X did not cause much excitement and interest. And they didn’t have any special changes, except for lengthening the fuselage.

At the beginning of the 2000s, the A380 prototype had already appeared, and Boeing specialists had to somehow respond to such a competitive threat. Then the aircraft 747-400 was offered to the market. And it was on the basis of this model that the development of an improved and perfect version of the 747-8 began.

The plans of the engineers were to equip the aircraft with the type 787 model. That is, it was planned to put a similar cabin and the same set of engines. In addition, the manufacturers wanted to introduce the electrical system from the older brother.

Initially, a cargo version of the aircraft was made (as is quite often the case with the Boeing 747 itself too). In 2008, the production of the Boeing 747-8 Freighter model was already started (it became known today as the 747-8f). Since the airline corporation by this time had only one single order for a variant of such an airliner for passenger transportation, it concentrated its efforts on the Freighter. Moreover, the situation has developed such that there is a risk that there will be no versions of the aircraft for passengers at all.

2010 was marked by model testing, after which design defects were corrected and mass production started. The aircraft became the longest, having a fuselage of 76.3 meters. In addition, among the fundamentally important innovations was a change in the shape of the wing - it was proposed to make it thinner and wider than other similar aircraft. The flaps were also changed in their configuration.

The production of the new model was built on the use of modern materials - for example, the fuselage was assembled from carbon fiber, which significantly reduced the weight of the liner. In addition, a new computer control system on board was invented especially for him.

In 2005-2010, fundamentally different liners took to the skies, which took over half of all cargo transportation in the world. This version of the aircraft is capable of carrying 140,000 tons for 8,000 kilometers. And in terms of fuel costs, it is significantly more budgetary than its predecessors and many analogues.

Passenger version

The liner for passengers was named Boeing 747-8 I. Moreover, it only recently took off. Such an aircraft is called very spacious - it can take 467 people on board and travel with them over a distance of up to 15 thousand km. cargo compartment was also redesigned and enlarged, which helps the liner take more cargo with it even when performing passenger transportation.

The double-deck aircraft has become more comfortable - now the decks are connected by a curved staircase, and the entrance has become more spacious. The engineers also redesigned the upper shelves and added larger windows to the fuselage. In addition, the aircraft received modern LED lighting.

The technical characteristics of the presented model are as follows:

• Length - 77 meters
• Height - 19 meters
• Weight - 213 tons
• Speed ​​- 917 km per hour

This aircraft is operated by a crew of two. In terms of capacity, the liner is quite wide - 605 economy class passengers freely enter here.

Scheme of the salon and the best places

The design of the cabin is quite roomy, due to which transportation on this type of liner becomes more cost-effective and interesting in terms of price for passengers. different airlines. The classic division of a double-deck aircraft is carried out as follows:

• 8 first class passengers at the nose of the plane
• Business is distributed on both decks in the following configuration: 2-2-2 and 2-2. It has 20 seats on board.
• Premium Economy takes 32 seats on both decks in the middle
• Economy is located at the rear on two decks and occupies 244 seats

Despite the fact that the aircraft is wide and roomy, there are still places in it that can be classified as uncomfortable - with narrow gaps between the seats, with non-reclining backs, etc. To choose the best option, especially if you have a long flight, you need to approach the issue of buying a ticket wisely.

How are the best seats on board distributed?

In business, preference should be given to chairs in the middle of the zone on the upper deck. This is due to the fact that there are partitions with monitors that provide additional space.

There are no special options in the economy, but experienced travelers note that, if possible, it is better to choose options at the beginning of the zone. Since there are open chairs, and there is a margin for legs. Some experts believe that seats at the end of the cabin can be called comfortable. True, there is a drawback - the service here will go at the end. But it might be worth it. there are two chairs here, which gives more space on the sides.

Flying on such a liner is a pleasure, say those who regularly travel by air. After all, he is strong, beautiful and reliable. You can get there quickly and comfortably.

Ruslan, also known as “product-400”, also known as Condor, is the world's largest transport aircraft in terms of carrying capacity (not counting the An-225 Mriya, of course, which exists in a single copy). Unlike Boeing, which will be discussed later, this giant transports not only containers and boxes.

It fits: an entire army of 880 soldiers, several tanks, a car garage, a train with a locomotive, and even other aircraft. To load it to the eyeballs, you will need up to 150 tons of cargo, but this is not the limit - it holds a record of 171 tons, set back in Soviet times, as an answer to the American competitor C5-Galaxy!

The first An-124 took off on December 24, 1982. And it was developed, like many of the best Soviet technical means, primarily for military purposes: for transporting ballistic missile launchers, personnel landing troops and armored vehicles. A total of 56 units were built, most of which are operated by the Ministry of Defense and the Volga-Dnepr company. You can read more in the Wiki and I also highly recommend taking a look. documentary about this plane: "Ruslan, who united the world."

01. Multi-rack chassis, equipped with 24 wheels, allows you to use the aircraft on unpaved runways, and change the clearance and angle of the fuselage, which allows loading Vehicle and various non-standard cargoes.

02. The aircraft has two wide hatches: at the nose and at the tail, with ramps for the arrival of vehicles.

03. There are non-standard cargoes that no other aircraft can transport, so Ruslan operates all over the world.

04. Even spacecraft are transported on it. And not only Roskosmos, but also NASA, if something could not be pushed into their own C-5. What about a relatively peaceful NASA? NATO soldiers resort to his help when they cannot independently transfer their Patriot air defense system!

05. In the cargo compartment, 2 electric winches with a pull of up to 3 tons each and 4 electric hoists with a total lifting capacity of up to 30 tons are installed. The most unusual cargoes that at different times were transported on the An-124: 152-tonne dump truck "Yuklid" (transported in two flights); hydraulic turbine impeller with a diameter of 6 meters and a weight of 80 tons; 52 tons of gold; Michael Jackson transported in 1993 310 tons of equipment and things on three An-124s to a concert in Moscow; 109-ton locomotive; 160-ton 24-meter obelisk of Aksum (divided into three parts); large 86-ton pumps for the liquidation of the accident at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima; flight simulator Sukhoi Superjet.

06. The aircraft is operated by a crew of 7-9 people.

07. Inside, of course, everything looks more brutal and "old school" than in Boeing.

08. Made in the USSR.

09. Serial production was stopped in the mid-90s. But in 2009, the Russian government ordered that the state armament program until 2020 include the purchase of 20 An-124-100s for the Russian Air Force. An improved version of the 124-300 is also being developed.

10. An-124 has been the hero of films more than once. Among them: James Bond - Die Another Day; Shirley-Myrli; 2012.

11. Salon for attendants.

12. Reminds econom-class train trains. 21 people can fly here. The cabin does not have a through passage to the cockpit and crew cabin, although it is on the same level with them, above the cargo deck.

13. Maximum range non-stop flight can be up to 14400 km (without cargo, with a full load of 150 tons - 3200 km), therefore sleeping places are provided. The setting is spartan.

14. The toilet smiled very much: two toilet bowls opposite each other - I have not seen this yet)). You can have a casual conversation face to face, or play chess))).

15. I shot this a year ago at MAKS, as well as the title picture. In the frame, board 82043, also the Volga-Dnepr (on the pictures from Domodedovo - 82042).

16. American competitor C-5. At MAKS-2011.

17. An-124 wants to swallow A380)). At MAKS-2011.

Boeing 747-8F

This is the longest civilian aircraft (76.3m), but you will not be sold a ticket for it. It has no flight attendants passenger seats. Its cargo deck can hold 19 million table tennis balls, but it usually carries more serious cargo. The letter "F" in the model index means Freighter, that is, cargo.

The 747-8 series aircraft are brand new and have been in commercial service since 2011. There is also a passenger version with the index I (Intercontinental). In Russia, so far only the Volga-Dnepr group of companies (operated under the AirBridge Cargo brand), engaged in freight transport around the world, in particular, one of their cargo terminals is located at Domodedovo Airport, where these photos were taken.

01. Very large aircraft: it can carry up to 140 tons of cargo over a distance of up to 14815 km, with a cruising speed of 908 km/h.

02. Loading conveyor.

03. The wingspan of the 747-8 is equal to the length of two 737-700s (68.45m).

04. Loading on the main deck is carried out through a reclining bow. And there is also a lower cargo deck (almost like in a regular passenger plane) and an upper one, where the cockpit and cabin for the crew are located (more on that below).

05. The energy of the onboard generators would be enough for the simultaneous operation of 480,000 flat-screen TVs with a diagonal of 32 inches!

06. “Rails up” is signaled by a board on the cargo deck. I didn’t quite understand what kind of rails were raised there, but the new avatar was a success, I think))!

07. The passenger version of this cabin can accommodate up to 600 seats! But there are not even portholes here, and there are a lot of all sorts of rollers in the floor, which allow you to move large boxes of cargo during loading and unloading operations.

08. One of the rollers on the floor of the cargo compartment.

09. And now let's go up to the topmost deck. A spartan staircase leads here.

10. There is a small cabin for the crew with seats like in business class.

11. And this is the sleeping compartment: there are two of them, one bed in each.

12. And here's the on-board kitchen.

13. But I know that, would you like to visit the cockpit of this giant? That's what I looked at too.

14. In general, the cockpit of any large aircraft, especially when you find yourself in it for the first time, makes an indelible impression with the abundance of all kinds of buttons, toggle switches, display meters: how can you keep all this in your head and be able to use it, especially in critical situations? The double airplane from the last post, which I was taught to manage, is just a bicycle compared to this seven hundred-forty-seven!

15. A lot of all sorts of devices familiar from the game flight simulator). And I even know what some of them are for!

16. You have not yet seen the An-124 and Il-76, the other two aircraft of the Volga-Dnepr company, which were shown to us that day. I will write about them separately.

17. User guide. I didn’t find a version from the “for dummies” series)).

18. ...

19. Did you know that this plane flies in a second a distance equal to three football fields?

20. And the diameter of its engines is almost equal to the diameter of the B-29 fuselage. There was such an American aircraft during World War II.

Boeing claims the 747-8 will be more than 10% lighter than the A380 per passenger seat, and will also use 11% less fuel per passenger than the Airbus flagship, which translates into a 21% reduction in flight costs. , and the cost of a passenger-kilometer - by more than 6%.

Construction of the first 747-8 Freighters began at the Everett, Washington plant in early August 2008. On November 14, 2008, Boeing announced a program delay, citing a lack of technical resources, design changes, and a recent worker strike. On July 21, 2009, Boeing released a photo of the assembly of the first cargo aircraft with a wing attached to the fuselage.

In February 2009, only one operator (Lufthansa) ordered a passenger version of the 747-8I, and Boeing announced the need to revise the 747-8 project. The corporation considered various options, including the cancellation of the passenger project.

First flights

The first engine race was completed in December 2009. The aircraft successfully completed high-speed taxiing on February 7, 2010. February 8, 2010, after a 2.5 hour delay due to inappropriate weather conditions, 747-8 Freighter made its first takeoff from Paine Field at 12:39 pm Pacific Time. The plane landed at 4:18 p.m. Pacific Time. Boeing estimates that the 747-8 will require over 1,600 flight hours to certify. The second test flight took place at the end of February, the aircraft was transferred to the airfield en: Moses Lake (eng.), During the flight, new navigation equipment was tested. Further testing was conducted at Moses Lake, where the aircraft was tested for initial airworthiness and flutter before flying to Palmdale, California to perform most of the flight testing so as not to overlap with the Dreamliner testing conducted from Boeing Field ( English) in Seattle.

By March 11, 2010, the 747-8F had completed thirteen flights, with a total flight time of 33 hours. On March 15, 2010, the second 747-8F made its first flight from Paine Field to Boeing Field, where it was temporarily based before flying to Palmdale to continue flight testing with the first 747-8F. On March 17, the third cargo plane also performed its first flight, also from Paine Field to Boeing Field. Boeing planned to display the 747-8F at the Farnborough 2010 Air Show, along with the 787, although the appearance of both aircraft there was dependent on their timely completion of the remainder of their flight test programs.

During flight testing, a stall was observed, caused by the effect of the turbulent wake of the open landing gear doors on the inner sections of the flaps. Boeing undertook a study of this problem, using a third prototype aircraft in research flights. The problem was solved by changing the design of the wings of the outer legs of the main landing gear. In early April 2010, Boeing identified a possible defect in the spar - a longitudinal structural member - in the upper fuselage. According to Boeing, parts manufactured by subcontractor Vought Aircraft Industries can break under certain loads. Although Boeing has stated that this will not affect flight testing, other sources state that the problem could seriously affect the working skin of the aircraft until it is fully corrected. Two other problems related to the oscillation of the internal sections of the ailerons and the flutter of the structure remained unresolved until the end of March 2011, when it was confirmed that Boeing was able to eliminate the vibration in the aircraft. Together, these problems slowed down the progress of flight testing, forcing Boeing to postpone the start of serial production of aircraft over and over again.

On April 19, a second aircraft flew from Moses Lake to Palmdale to conduct engine testing in preparation for "type certification". The remaining aircraft of the test group were scheduled to depart for Palmdale in May. It was reported that on June 3, 2010, the engine of the second aircraft was damaged by a tractor during towing. The engine hood was damaged, but the engine itself was not damaged. After the repair, the aircraft performed flights to determine the parameters of fuel efficiency. On June 14, the 747-8 completed its initial flight airworthiness testing, after which the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a detailed aircraft type certificate to Boeing.

By the end of June 2010, the three 747-8Fs participating in the flight test program had flown over 500 hours in total, and tests were completed in hot weather conditions in Arizona. It became clear that Boeing needed a fourth 8F to speed up flight testing. It was decided to use the second production aircraft RC503 for tests requiring no or minimal additional equipment, such as certification for high intensity radio frequencies or water spray. The first flight of the fourth aircraft, painted for delivery to Cargolux under the company's new paint scheme, was made on July 23 from Paine Field at Everett on Moses Lake, with a subsequent return to Everett.

On August 21 at Victorville California, the 747-8F demonstrated its capabilities by taking off with a takeoff weight of 455.86 tons. The design maximum takeoff weight is 442.253 tons.

On October 15, 2010, such tests as the "Water Spray Test" were passed, and the first photographs of the 747-8I were also presented. On February 3, 2011, the fifth cargo Boeing 747-8 made its first flight. On March 20, 2011, a passenger Boeing 747-8 made its first flight. On October 25, 2011, a passenger Boeing was tested in a tropical climate in Barbados. In early December, the aircraft was tested by Lufthansa pilots.

Technology

The first commercial passenger aircraft 747-8I was delivered to the German airline Lufthansa on April 25, 2012. The aircraft will begin operating regular flights since June 2012.

Presidential 747-8

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

All orders for Boeing 747-8