Average speed of a passenger plane. Summary data of all common airliners. Passenger aircraft capacity. How many people lift Boeing's largest passenger plane? History of the Boeing 747

Passenger aircraft, as a rule, cannot boast of high-speed characteristics. Compared to fighters, they are real snails. And although the speed of passenger airliners usually ranges from 800 to 1100 km/h, some unique airliners can be supersonic. At this speed, they can transport people from New York to London in about three hours. This review is about the world's fastest passenger aircraft.

1. Hawker-Siddeley Trident HS.121 2

maximum speed 973 km/h
The British Hawker-Siddeley Trident, or simply Trident, revolutionized air travel. It was in operation from the 1960s to the 1990s.

2. Gulfstream G650

maximum speed 981 km/h
The twin-engine business jet is an improved version of the popular Gulfstream G550. It can reach a top speed of Mach 0.925 and the G650 has a range of 13,900 km.

3. Boeing 747 8

maximum speed 988 km/h
The Boeing 747 8 is the longest passenger aircraft in the world. Its length is 76.25 m and its wingspan is 68.45 m. At a speed of 988 km/h, it can fly 14,100 km.

4. Convair 880

maximum speed 989 km/h
The Convair 880 jet airliner, developed by General Dynamics, was produced for only 3 years (65 units were produced between 1959 and 1962). Due to its low popularity, it was discontinued, despite being considered the fastest airliner of its time.

5. Boeing 777

maximum speed 1036 km/h
The Boeing 777 is considered one of the best airliners in the world today. These aircraft are equipped with the most powerful engines for passenger airliners.

6. Boeing 787

maximum speed 1049 km/h
Boeing announced the development of the 787 Dreamliner in 2003. Designed as a wide-body, long-range airliner, the 787 can reach speeds of up to 1,049 km/h.

7. Dassault Falcon 900 EX

maximum speed 1065 km/h
The French Dassault Falcon 900 EX is a corporate jet with transcontinental flight capabilities. Its design is notable because the Falcon 900 EX has three rear-mounted jet engines.

8. Bombardier Global 6000

maximum speed 1097 km/h
Bombardier Global 6000 is an ultra-long-range administrative aircraft. It allows any entrepreneur to quickly travel around the world and easily get to the desired location at speeds reaching 1097 km/h.

9. Dassault Falcon 7X

maximum speed 1110 km/h
This business jet is based on the Falcon 900 and is designed to travel around the world in style and comfort. It is 2 of these Canadian-made aircraft that are used in Russia to transport senior government officials.

10. Airbus A380

maximum speed 1087 km/h
Built in Europe, the Airbus A380 is a high-performance, long-range, double-deck airliner. It is considered the world's largest passenger aircraft.

11. Cessna Citation X

maximum speed 1126 km/h
Another favorite among business jets is the Cessna Citation X. It is a turbofan, twin-engine, long-range, midsize business jet. Citation X is used by both individuals and companies.

12. Cessna Citation X+

maximum speed 1153 km/h
This is an improved model of the previous aircraft. The Citation X+ features significant improvements and a much more powerful engine. Today this aircraft is the fastest civil as well as business aircraft.

13. Concorde

maximum speed 2179 km/h
Concorde was a supersonic marvel of its time, as it traveled at twice the speed of sound. The Concorde was primarily used by wealthy people for fast air travel in an atmosphere of luxury. However, despite the aircraft being in service for decades, the Concorde was discontinued in 2003.

14. Boom Supersonic

maximum speed 2335 km/h
Boom Supersonic is currently under development. It is a supersonic commercial airliner capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2.2 or 2,335 km/h. However, unlike the Concorde, the Boom Supersonic will be an inexpensive airliner for all passengers, not just the rich.

15. Tupolev TU 144

maximum speed 2430 km/h
The Tupolev TU 144 was the first supersonic aircraft in the world, developed by the Soviet Union, and was immediately followed by the Concorde. Although the aircraft was retired from commercial use, the Russian space program used it for training purposes until 1999.

Today, airplanes are gradually turning into individual transport. Recently appeared.

TIACA is a non-profit association uniting participants in the international air cargo market. The association was created to promote the liberalization of the global market and the development of trade relations between countries. TIACA members include representatives of all major segments of the air cargo and logistics industry, including such well-known airlines as: Air Canada, Emirates, Swiss International Japan Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, UPS Airlines, DHL Express, Fedex Express; airports Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Aeroports de Paris, Beijing Capital Airport, Los Angeles World Airports, Domodedovo Airport and others.

During a press briefing, Deputy Minister of Transport Valery Okulov noted that “the concept for the development of air cargo transportation in the Russian Federation” is aimed at realizing the country’s transit potential and developing domestic demand for air cargo transportation by increasing the competitiveness of air transport services in the Russian Federation.” For his part, the President of the Volga Dnepr Group of Companies, Alexey Isaikin, emphasized that the knowledge and experience accumulated by the members of the association “are necessary for us to more fully and effectively realize the enormous potential of the aviation industry that we possess.”

The interest of Western companies in the Russian market was indicated by the Chairman of the International Cargo Aviation Association TIACA, Michael Steen: “The Russian economy is developing confidently, as evidenced by the country’s recent accession to the WTO. Russia’s role in international logistics is rapidly increasing, making this region increasingly attractive both for investment directly in Russian business, and for global transport companies and freight forwarders considering Russia as a convenient logistics hub.”

The situation in Russia is paradoxical - there is someone to transport cargo and someone to consolidate it, large large airports are creating infrastructure for receiving and processing cargo, but the Russian economy is not yet ready to form stable cargo flows sufficient to fill large transport aircraft. And, unlike the passenger transportation market, the arrival of foreign companies in the cargo sector is not at all scary. There are large, successful and financially stable cargo carriers in Russia. Our leader in this segment is the Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies.

The Volga-Dnepr Group of Companies is among the TOP 15 global cargo airlines and is a world leader in the transportation of extra-heavy and oversized cargo. In just 8 years, the Group’s sales volumes increased 6 times and reached $1.75 billion in 2011. The Group provides jobs for 3,270 people.

Charter cargo transportation within the Group is carried out by Volga-Dnepr Airlines. Its fleet consists of 10 super-heavy aircraft An-124-100 "Ruslan" and 5 Il-76TD-90VD, which meet all modern and future ICAO requirements and operate flights around the world without restrictions. Six years of experience in operating the Il-76TD-90VD aircraft has proven its demand in the market, which is increasing year by year. Regular cargo transportation within the Group is carried out by AirBridgeCargo. Currently, its fleet includes 12 aircraft of the Boeing 747 family, including 2 of the newest Boeing 747-8F. Also, in 2011, the Group acquired Atran Airlines, which has 3 An-12s in its fleet.

The organizers of the summit left the most interesting things for a snack: at Domodedovo Airport there was a display (Russian premiere) of the newest Boeing 747-8 Freighter, the legendary Soviet heavyweight An-124-100 “Ruslan” and a modern modification of the Il-76TD-90VD military transport aircraft

AirBridgeCargo Airlines, part of the Volga-Dnepr Group, became one of the first companies in the world to receive Boeing 747-8 Freighter aircraft into operation. The company currently has 2 such aircraft and a third is due to arrive by the end of the year. Interesting fact: AirBridgeCargo is the largest cargo carrier at Frankfurt Airport (and the airport itself is the largest European hub).

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is a new modification of the Boeing 747 aircraft. It features excellent flight performance, as well as a 16% increase in the volume of cargo compartments compared to the B747-400F modification, improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise, which together will allow the airline optimize operating costs and increase economic efficiency.

Maximum load capacity Boeing 747-8 Freighter - 133.9 metric tons (133,900 kg) or 147.6 tons (295,200 lb)

Range with maximum commercial load: 4,390 nautical miles (8,130 km)

Maximumrange: 8,000 nautical miles (14,815 km)

Height: 63 ft 6 in (19.4 m)

Wingspan: 224 ft 7 in (68.4 m)

Length: 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m)

Cruising speed: Mach 0.85

Maximum take-off weight: 975,000 lb (442,250 kg)

Engines: General Electric GEnx-2B67 (66,500 lb thrust)

Here are some interesting facts about the Boeing 747-8 Freighter:

• The main and lower cargo decks of the 747-8 Freighter can accommodate approximately 19 million table tennis balls
• The 747-8 Freighter has the capacity to carry up to 10,767 gold bars from Fort Knox (worth approximately $7 billion)
• The electricity generated by the 747-8 can power 480,000 32-inch flat-screen TVs (that's the number of TVs in a city of more than a million)
• The 747-8 Freighter can quickly deliver approximately 9 million 72-hour medical kits or 122,000 military meals to a disaster zone
• The 747-8 travels the length of 3 FIFA football fields in 1 second
• The 747-8 covers the standard marathon distance of 42.195 km in 2.5 minutes
• The top of the 747-8's tail is 63 ft 6 in (19.5 m), the height of a six-story building
• The 747-8 is the longest civil aircraft (76.3 m)
• One wing of 747-8 equals the total area of ​​four three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes (each 1,375 square feet)
• The wingspan of the 747-8 is equal to the length of two 737-700 aircraft
• The diameter of the GENx-2B 747-8 engine fan is almost equal to the diameter of the fuselage of a B-29 bomber
• The takeoff thrust of a single GENx-2B engine on a 747-8 is approximately equal to the takeoff thrust of all (8) engines of the very first model of the B-52 bomber, the PWYJ57-3 (Single engine thrust increased from 43,500 lbs on the first 747 to 66,500 lbs on the engines installed on 747-8)
• The 747-8's fuel tanks hold more than 64,000 gallons of fuel (242,266 L), allowing it to fly very long distances, such as Los Angeles to Melbourne, Australia.

Against the backdrop of a large but elegant Boeing, somewhat reminiscent of a polished dandy city dweller, Ruslan looks like a big village bumpkin who has recently been discharged, who has only put aside his housework for a short time. Both in the cockpit and in the crew compartment you have to climb long ladders hanging from somewhere from the ceiling. But in him I felt something very dear and familiar for a long time. It is very ascetic and unpretentious, without unnecessary external effects. On the contrary, everything is maximally optimized to perform the main task - transporting oversized cargo. And in this he has no equal. Especially when you see how this giant opens its huge “mouth”, crouches down and some kind of road train, crane or military equipment emerges from it under its own power. A stunning and unique aircraft, about which one can only speak with admiration.

The Boeing 747 is the world's first long-range wide-body passenger aircraft equipped with two decks. This is an externally recognizable glider, thanks 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 bow of the aircraft.

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

Modifications

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

Technical characteristics of Boeing 747 passenger aircraft

747-100

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

The initial version - 747-100 was produced on September 2, 1968, the first commercial flight took place on January 1, 1970.

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

Variations 747-100:

• 747-100 (SF) – aircraft rebuilt from the base model for cargo transportation;
• 747SR – a variation of the 747-100, created for short-haul flights; Compared to the basic version, the SR carried 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, there are 3 such examples in total, all of them were delivered to the Japanese carrier Japan Airlines;
• 747-100B – copies of this modification differed from the main version by an optimized control system and chassis.

The delivery of aircraft of this type was completed in 1986; the last 747-100SR aircraft was sent to Japan to 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 the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011, which at that time were superior in weight and flight range;
• Making ultra-long flights, that is, the airliner had to have a long range and cruising speed.

The year 747SP production began 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 their predecessors in having an engine with increased thrust and a high take-off weight. Such characteristics were a factor in increasing the flight range.

The launch units 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 portholes.

747-200 modification options:

• 747-200B is the latest variation of the passenger aircraft of this group; it has a maximum flight range of 10,800 km;
• 747-200С – aircraft of this modification have the ability to transport both passengers and cargo;
• 747-200F – cargo aircraft;
• 747-200M Combi – simultaneous transportation of cargo and people is possible.

Based on 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.

Production of Boeing 747-200 models was discontinued in 1991.

747-300

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

747-300 modification options:

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

747-400

Commissioned in 1989, the airliner model became the most popular in the series.

Reasons for this:

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

Modification options:

• The 747-400D is a 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 passenger capacity on a global scale;
• 747-400F;
• 747-400SF – this and the previous modifications are cargo;
• 747-400ER – an airliner 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 the elongation of the body by 5.5 meters and the take-off weight increased to the maximum value in the line - 442 tons. The main technical innovations affected the wing, which was almost completely redesigned.

Modification options:

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

Also based on the 747-8, aircraft for the BBC USA and presidential versions are being developed, designed to replace the previously created Boeing 747-200 gliders.

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

747 LCF Dreamlifter

Created in 2006, the cargo glider entered service in August 2007. Its purpose is to transport parts for assembling the new Boeing 787. The new modification differs from the Boeing 747-400F cargo aircraft in having a three-fold increased cargo compartment capacity.

Today, 4 units make flights.

Interior layout

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 adjacent emergency exit and the number of adjacent seats.

The layout of seats for 2, 3 and 4 makes it possible to comfortably accommodate a family or traveling as a 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 seat blocks near the windows.

There are three chairs in rows 12 to 18 of the first salon, in the rest - in blocks by the window.

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

Travelers with children are prohibited from sitting on blocks of seats adjacent to 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 aircraft cabins are equipped with televisions located at the beginning of each passenger compartment.

Boeing 747-SP

The fundamental difference between the aircraft of this modification is the lengthening 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 the 747-100 modification. The seats located next to the emergency exits are the most convenient from the point of view of inter-row space, but children are prohibited from sitting in them.

Boeing 747-200B

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 ten and the number of rows was increased.

There are a total of 6 salons on board.

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

The toilet rooms are located on the upper deck in the bow, on the lower deck between the 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th salons, as well as in the aft 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 your child in any row of seats, except those adjacent to the emergency exits - row 32.

Passengers with infants have the opportunity to install a baby bassinet; a similar service is available when flying in rows 21, 34, 43, seats D-G.

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

In total, the aircraft is equipped with 69 rows located in 7 cabins.

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

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

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

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

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

747-400ER

There are 6 cabins on board the aircraft, 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 those traveling in economy class, rows 12 to 64.

Economy class passengers can sit on seats grouped in groups of 2 and 3 on the side blocks near the windows, and 4 in the middle block.

Those traveling with a baby and needing a bassinet should choose seats in the following rows:

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

There are 6 passenger cabins on board the airliner:

• For first or imperial class passengers - 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 space on the upper deck;

• Economy class passengers can be accommodated in 3-5 cabins on the lower deck. The middle block of seats is grouped with 4 seats. On the side blocks, the seats are connected in 3 places or 2 in the rear of the aircraft.

The baby bassinet can be installed:

1. On the 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, seats D-G;
• Fifth – row 51, seats D-G.

The aircraft cabins 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 control panel for channels, including radio, and the ability to play computer games.

Regardless of which Boeing 747 modification you are traveling on, it is worth knowing a few general rules for choosing a seat:

1. The row layout may vary depending on the airline selected. 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 characterized by reduced noise levels. But it’s worth knowing that the least noise is in the nose of the airframe, that is, in places located in front and further from the engines;
3. In economy class cabins there are rows with expanded inter-row space, for example, at emergency exits;
4. The armrests of the seats do not recline at the edges of the rows, and also often in the first rows of the cabins. Many airlines provide aircraft diagrams with a special icon indicating this point;
5. The first rows of salon seats are not equipped with folding tables, but with pull-out armrests.

Taking into account the above factors and knowing the seating diagram will allow you to choose the best place.

Exploitation

The Boeing 747 cannot be called a popular aircraft among global air carriers. The main competitors of this model are the Airbus A300 and Boeing 767. Most often, flights on Boeing 747 airliners are carried out by Asian carriers. Thus, until 2011, the Japanese company Japan Airlines was the largest operator of the 747.

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

In Russia, passenger Boeing 747-400s existed as part of the Transaero airline fleet, and were later transferred to the Rossiya air carrier, where they are operated to this day.

As for the 747 line of cargo aircraft, in Russia they are operated by the largest cargo air carrier AirBridgeCargo and Sky Gates Airlines

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

Video

Jumbo Jet, also known as Boeing 747, is a four-engine, wide-body passenger aircraft with two decks for long-distance routes. The Boeing 747 remained 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 to 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.

-100, -200 and -300 series

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 100th version includes an improved 747-100B model, as well as a short-range variant with a passenger capacity of up to 550 people - the 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 into 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 of these improvements was the folding nose. In 1983, the Boeing 747-300 took to the skies. Ego's main characteristics have been increased. The flight range was now 12,300 kilometers. The upper deck was expanded. And consequently the number of passenger seats has increased. The series also includes cargo-passenger variants - 747-300M and 747-300SR, intended, like the -200SR, for domestic flights in Japan.

Boeing 747 interior diagram

The most successful versions of the 747-400 and the new 747-8

The 747-400 boasts of being Boeing's best-selling aircraft. It was put into operation in 1989. Compared to the 747-300, it has an improved wing, more powerful engines, and improved interior quality. The 747-400 reaches a maximum flight range of 13.5 thousand kilometers without stopping for refueling and can fly at speeds of up to 913 kilometers per hour. The decks of the “four hundredth” can accommodate up to 524 passengers. A cargo version of the airliner 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, the passenger 747-8I and the cargo 747-8F. Both models feature new, energy-efficient GE engines for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The modified Boeing 747 of the American president is capable of speeds of up to 1000 km per hour. Thanks to its excellent technical characteristics, it is called the “plane of the Apocalypse”.

Characteristics of the 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.

The Boeing 747 is considered to be the first wide-body aircraft in the history of world aviation. For almost forty years, no aircraft has been able to exceed the capacity of the Boeing 747, and to date, no aircraft on the planet has been able to beat its size record.

American scientists began working on the creation of the Boeing 747 in the late 60s of the last century. It was during this period that the number of air transportation increased and the air transport available at that time could not cope with the transportation of numerous passengers.

During the first developments, American engineers planned to create the Boeing 747 as a cargo-passenger transport. After all, many analysts argued that large airliners would soon be supplanted, and they would be replaced by more modern aircraft with supersonic speed. Therefore, the engineers’ developments included a procedure for converting an airliner into a cargo aircraft. It was for this purpose that the cabin in which the crew would be located was moved to the deck located at the top of the ship. Such a transfer, as planned by scientists, should simplify the process of changing the nose of the aircraft into a ramp for cargo air transport.

By the beginning of 1967, engineers had completed work on the project and brought up for discussion a new model of the aircraft, which was called the Boeing 747. The project under discussion was a two-deck air transport, but after much debate it was decided to change the original configuration as it presented some complications. After changing the layout, the airliner acquired the shape of a “humpbacked” aircraft, and the first order came from a well-known airline for 25 units of equipment.

The customer not only ordered a large batch of aircraft, but also asked to make changes to its design and to the technical characteristics of the Boeing 747, which are still used by modern engineers. The changes affected the following:

• wingspan size;
• transferring chassis supports;
• increase in take-off weight.

The creation and development of an airliner required enormous costs, so the developer company was forced to borrow money from creditors. But despite this, the finished airliner was able to recoup all costs threefold, because unprecedented success awaited it. It was this wide-body airliner that occupied the first positions in a similar global segment for several decades. And its first flight took place in early 1970.

The creation of the Boeing aircraft

Brief description of the Boeing 747

The Boeing 747 wide-body jetliner is equipped with four powerful engines and, as previously mentioned, has a special shape for the upper flight deck. The technical characteristics of the Boeing 747 and operational data far exceed those of previous models, and therefore make this aircraft the most popular among its many analogues. The following improvements should be noted:

1. Aerodynamics indicators.
2. The end surface is aerodynamic, which reduces induction drag.
3. The interior features updated avionics and a more comfortable cabin for the crew.

The most noticeable improvement of this model was seen in the wings of air transport. After the procedure, their height reached 6 feet, and the end aerodynamic surface began to bend upward and protrude slightly outward. Thanks to these changes, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption and increase flight duration several times. Fuel consumption decreased by approximately 3.5%. If you calculate the savings over the entire period of operation of the aircraft, it turns out to be a colossal amount.

It is this type of air transport that is the fastest, because the speed of a Boeing 747 in flight can be up to 940 km/h.

Boeing 747 tests

Technical characteristics of air transport

As mentioned earlier, the capacity of the Boeing 747 is several times greater than previous models due to the special shape of the upper deck, which is made in a stretched form. Thanks to this configuration, economy class can accommodate up to 580 passengers, while business and economy class can accommodate 495 passengers.

The dial instruments located in the cockpit were replaced with modern ones. Thanks to this, control became much easier, important information was displayed on liquid crystal displays. The presence of a digital control system made it possible to reduce the number of pilots to 2 people.

The airliner is equipped with a straight stairway for lifting to the upper part of the deck, rather than the screw design of its predecessors, which undoubtedly adds convenience to passengers and crew members.

According to the project, the interior was also modified. Thanks to them, each passenger received more free space, and the shelves for things were increased several times. For the convenience of passengers, special multimedia systems were installed to watch video clips and exciting films.

Since they decided to lengthen the upper deck, 2 additional exits were installed on its surface. For the power plant, two-circuit turbojet engines (4 pieces) and updated engines from well-known manufacturers were used. As a result, the maximum speed of the Boeing 747 passenger aircraft was 940 km/h, and the take-off weight was 350 tons.

Technical characteristics of the Boeing 747:

• 70.7 – length of the airliner in meters;
• 19.5 – aircraft height;
• 60 m – span of one wing;
• 6 m – width of the passenger compartment;
• 511 sq. m – area of ​​one wing;
• 940 km/h – maximum speed;
• 12500 km – airliner flight range;
• 175,000 kg - the aircraft weighs unloaded;
• 13755 m – ceiling height in the cabin;
• 910 km/h is the cruising speed of the aircraft.

Economy class has seating for 580 passengers. The aircraft crew consists of 3 people - 1 engineer and 2 airliner pilots. American engineers, in addition to passenger air transport, invented the cargo-passenger Boeing, as well as a model that provided for a shorter flight range - the 747-300.

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