Takeoff weight of Boeing 747 aircraft. Infant cradle can be installed

The Boeing 747 is the world's first long-haul wide-body passenger aircraft equipped with two decks. This is an externally recognizable glider, thanks to the presence upper deck, significantly inferior in length to the first floor, thus 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 over 100 years, the year of foundation is 1916. In addition to the design and production of passenger aircraft, Boeing is engaged in the development and creation of military helicopters, missiles and satellites, information, electronic, and defense systems. The company is headquartered in Chicago.

Modifications

The first Boeing 747 aircraft was produced in 1966. Over the decades of creation of this line of gliders, the company has developed and produced the following aircraft modifications.

Boeing 747 passenger aircraft specifications

747-100

The first version of the aircraft was the boeing 747. In total, the corporation produced 250 of these 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 produced, the upper deck was not space for ordinary passengers. There was a resting place, equipped with three windows. With the passage of time, the deck was rebuilt into a standard compartment, where passengers of the 1st class and the "business" category were seated.

Variations 747-100:

• 747-100 (SF) - aircraft rebuilt from the base model for the transportation of goods;
• 747SR - variation of 747-100, created for short-haul flights; compared to the basic configuration, the SR contained a reduced fuel reserve 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 similar 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 a similar assembly was completed in 1986, the last liner 747-100SR was sent to Japan by the airline 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 were winning at that time in terms of weight and flight range;
• Ultra-long-range flights, that is, the liner had to have a long range and cruising speed.

The 747SP was launched in 1976, and mass production ceased in 1983.

747-200

This modification appeared on the airliner market in 1971. Aircraft of this configuration differed from their predecessor with an engine with increased thrust and high take-off mass. Such characteristics were a factor in increasing the flight range.

The launch 747-200 was 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:

• 747-200В - the latest variation of a passenger aircraft of this group, the maximum flight data of 10,800 km is realized here;
• 747-200С - liners of this modification have the ability to carry both passengers and cargo;
• 747-200F - cargo plane;
• 747-200M Combi - simultaneous transportation of goods and people is possible.

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

Boeing 747-200 models were discontinued in 1991.

747-300

Aircraft of this modification began to be produced in 1980. Their distinctive feature is the increased passenger capacity, thanks to the increased 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 handling;
• 747-300SR - short-haul.

747-400

Commissioned in 1989, the liner became the most popular in the series.

The reasons for this:

• Profitability in comparison with its 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 for 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 modification are cargo;
• 747-400ЕR - airliner with a longer flight range;
• 747-400M - cargo and passenger.

747-8

The gliders of this modification entered service in 2010.

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

Modification options:

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

Also on the basis of 747-8 aircraft are being developed for the BBC USA and presidential versions, 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 Drеаmlifter

Created in 2006, the cargo glider 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 plane by three times the increased capacity of the cargo compartment.

To date, 4 units fly.

Interior layout

Double deck liner basic modification equipped with a saloon 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, the number of adjacent seats.

The seating arrangement of 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 with 10 and 11 rows and in the 5th passenger compartment with 64-66 rows - in the seat blocks by the windows.

Three seats 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 seats.

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

The aircraft cabins 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 in the lengthening of the upper tier and placement there more seats for economy class passengers.

The four remaining compartments accommodate Economy Class passengers.

The choice of seats is similar to modification 747-100. Places located in the vicinity of emergency exits are the most convenient from the point of view of inter-row space, but it is prohibited to be accommodated on them with children.

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.

In total there are 6 saloons on board.

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

The restrooms 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 aft.

Emergency exits are located on the upper deck at the beginning of the saloon, on the lower deck in the dividing space between the passenger compartments.

You can accommodate your child in any row of seats, except for those adjacent to emergency exits - row 32.

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

On board are equipped with screens 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 by 2, separated by one aisle. It can accommodate 6 business class passengers.

The saloon 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 seating units, grouped in 3 and separated by a walkway.

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

In subsequent salons, the seats are grouped in 3 seats in the side blocks and 4 in average. Exceptions: Rows 19 and 20, where the middle block has 2 seats, and rows 66-68, where 2 seats are in the side blocks.

It is permissible to place a 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 travelers in economy class, rows 12 to 64.

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

If you are traveling with an infant and need a bassinet, you should choose seats on the following aisles:

• 5 (business class);
• 15, places D-G;
• 16, places A-C;
• 26, places H-L;
• 27, places D-G;
• 35, D-G seats;
• 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. There is a possibility of individual selection of video and radio channels.

747-8I

There are 6 passenger cabins on board the airliner:

• 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 - Lounge 2 on the lower deck and the space on the upper deck;

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

The cradle for babies can be installed:

1. On the upper deck: seat row 16 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, the possibility of computer games.

Regardless of the aircraft of which Boeing 747 modification you are going to travel, it is worth knowing a few general rules for choosing a seat:

1. The aisle layout may differ 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 characterized by a reduced noise level. But it is worth knowing that it is least noisy in the bow of the glider, that is, in places located in front of and farther from the engines;
3. In the economy class cabins, there are rows with extended 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 salons. Many airlines provide aircraft layouts with a special icon to indicate this point;
5. The first rows of seats in the salons are not equipped with folding tables, but retractable from the armrests.

Taking into account the above factors and owning the seating scheme will allow you to choose the best seat.

Exploitation

The 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. Most often flights on Boeing 747 are operated 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 are in the British British airways fleet - 48 copies. They carry out 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, later transferred to the Rossiya air carrier, where they are still in operation.

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

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

Video

Before the appearance on the market of the European giant A-380, the Boeing 747 was considered the largest aircraft in the world with a cabin capacity of more than 500 people, or rather, 2 passenger decks. Like other aircraft of the company, this liner went through several modifications, but its main differences did not change. The aircraft contained 2 decks, an original nose, 4 engines, and the largest passenger capacity.

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

First flights

Despite financial difficulties, the first wide-body airliner took off in 1970. Since the liner was a passenger liner, the upper deck became a service deck, and all passengers were accommodated according to the principle usual for other aircraft. The capacity of the Boeing 747 of the first samples was only 200 people, but if we compare it with the 737th model, produced in the same year and taking on board 100 people, we get a twofold difference.

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

Other modifications

Despite the growing orders for passenger versions, Boeing has not abandoned its original plans for the production of cargo aircraft. This is how the following modifications appeared: F - cargo version, M - combi, which has the ability to take fewer passengers, but more luggage, B - improved chassis (for the first versions) and tanks (later). In addition, on the basis of the 747-200, two classic "aircraft number 1" were assembled for the transportation of the US President.

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

Boeing 747-300

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

The first Boeing 300 flew in 1980 and quickly became one of the most used. Until 2005 (the first takeoff of the A-380), this modification was considered the best model of a long-range mainline liner, but it also had significant drawbacks.

Operational problems

Simultaneously with the increase in the number of passengers, operational problems began. The largest Boeing 747, the capacity of which was growing rapidly, ceased to meet the parameters of airports. In addition, four engines versus three on competing DC-10 aircraft meant A, with the onset of the 1970 crisis, many companies abandoned the 747 due to its unprofitability. If we remember that about the same time Boeing 767 and Airbus-300 (both with two engines) entered the market, which almost immediately captured the wide-body aircraft market, the 747 began to lose ground. And although the capacity of the Boeing 747 was still one of the largest, airlines began to first convert this version into a cargo version, and then simply sell it.

Airplane for long-distance flights

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

The future of the 747

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

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

The best places

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

The Boeing 747 is considered to be the first wide-body air transport in the history of world aviation. For almost forty years, no air transport 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 record in size.

American scientists began to work 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 traffic increased and the air transport available at that time could not cope with the transportation of numerous passengers.

At the first development, American engineers planned to create the Boeing 747 as a cargo-and-passenger transport. Indeed, many analysts argued that large-sized airliners will soon be ousted, and they will be replaced by more modern devices with supersonic speed. Therefore, in the development of engineers, a procedure was provided for converting an airliner into a cargo type of an aircraft. It was for this purpose that the cockpit, in which the crew was supposed to be, was moved to the deck located at the top of the vessel. Such a transfer, according to the idea of ​​scientists, should simplify the measure 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 a new model of the aircraft for discussion, which was named "Boeing 747". The project in question was an air transport with two decks, but after a lengthy debate, it was decided to change the original configuration, as it carried 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 pieces of equipment.

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

• the size of the wingspan;
• transfer of chassis supports;
• increase in takeoff weight.

The creation and development of an airliner demanded huge costs, so the developer company was forced to take cash borrowed from creditors. But despite this, the finished air liner was able to recoup all costs threefold, because it was waiting for an unprecedented success. It was this wide-body airliner that occupied the first positions in a similar world segment for several decades. And his first flight took place in early 1970.

Boeing airplane creation

Boeing 747 short description

The Boeing 747 wide-body jet airliner is equipped with four powerful engines, has, as it was said earlier, a special shape of the upper crew deck. The technical characteristics of the Boeing 747 and operational data are much higher than those of previous models, therefore, they make this aircraft the most demanded among its many analogues. The following improvements should be noted:

1. Aerodynamic parameters.
2. The end surface is aerodynamic, thus reducing the induction resistance.
3. The cabin now has updated avionics and a more comfortable cockpit for the crew.

The most noticeable improvement to this model is the wings. air transport... After the procedure, their height reached 6 feet, and the terminal aerofoil began to curl upward and protrude slightly outward. Thanks to these changes, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption and increase the flight duration several times. Fuel consumption has been reduced by about 3.5%. If you calculate the savings over the entire period of the aircraft's operation, this is 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

Air transport specifications

As mentioned earlier, the capacity of the Boeing 747 is several times higher 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 gauges located in the cockpit were replaced with modern ones. Thanks to this, management has become much easier, important information 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 ladder for access to the upper deck, rather than the helical structure of its predecessors, which undoubtedly adds to the convenience of passengers and crew.

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

Since it was 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 equal to 940 km / h, and the take-off weight was 350 tons.

Boeing 747 specifications:

• 70.7 is the length of the airliner in meters;
• 19.5 - aircraft height;
• 60 m - span of one wing;
• 6 m - the width of the passenger compartment;
• 511 sq. m - the area of ​​one wing;
• 940 km / h - maximum speed;
• 12,500 km - the range of the airliner;
• 175,000 kg - weighs an unloaded aircraft;
• 13755 m - interior ceiling height;
• 910 km / h - cruising speed of an air vehicle.

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

In contact with

In the seventies of the last century, Boeing engineers presented the world with an innovative development - the first wide-body airliner of the 747 series. The model quickly gained popularity among carriers. In addition, these boards, up to 2005, were in the lead in the category of the largest aircraft... Let's consider the characteristics of the Boeing 747 in detail in order to understand why the invention so bribed the aviators.

The heyday of the aviation industry came in the sixties of the twentieth century. At this time, leading US designers set themselves the goal of creating large-sized vehicles for the transport of 400-500 people. After all, the high demand for air tickets in those years caused a shortage aircraft new generation. Engineers have developed a ship project based on the previous model - Boeing 737. Moreover, the first idea of ​​the aviators was the creation of a cargo-passenger liner.

Such extraordinary thinking of the developers explained the appearance of the first modifications of supersonic passenger airliners. Scientists assumed that this series in the near future will not be able to compete with high-speed aircraft, and provided a fallback option. This decision determines the design and some technical characteristics of the Boeing 747 400.

The crew cabin is here on the upper deck, since the plans expected to take the lower sector for cargo transportation. And the indicators of the maximum take-off weight of the first sample of the side of 370 tons spoke about the potential of using such vessels for cargo transportation.

The project was gradually finalized and modernized. By 1976, the aviators abandoned the idea of ​​making the liner fuselage into two full-fledged decks and opted for a modern type of modification with a "hump". Here, the upper compartment accommodates the cockpit and up to 50 landing passenger seats. In terms of the potential for transporting people, the Boeing 747,400's capacity is astounding. The plane lifts up to 660 passengers, which was considered a world record before the appearance of the Airbus A380..

Initially, 25 units of the 747 100 series were produced. Subsequently, the company periodically modernized the invention, changing the wingspan values ​​and the design with the position of the landing gear. In addition, over the history of the production of ships of this class, it increased by 16% and amounted to 442 tons on the sides of 747-8. Today this large-scale project has been closed, but airlines use this technique on transcontinental flights.

The first experimental flight of the new series took place in 1970 of the twentieth century. It is noteworthy that the largest fleet of these aircraft was on the balance sheet of Japan Airlines. However, today this carrier has completely abandoned such ships.

An interesting fact in the history of aircraft development was the fuel crisis, as a result of which the use of such giants temporarily brought a loss. Even for the release of the planned number of the first models, the designers took loans, since the company did not have such a serious amount. True, over time, the costs paid off in full and three times exceeded the funds spent on development.

The advantages of the vessel

Now let's talk about the merits of the series. The appearance of such aircraft has become a new word in the field of aviation - after all, wide-body models did not exist before Boeing. The board is equipped with four powerful jet engines, which has a positive effect on the flight range. The cruising speed of a Boeing 747 passenger aircraft in flight is 910-950 km / h.

In addition, the plane flies a distance of 14,205 kilometers without refueling. Moreover, these indicators are applicable to the loaded liner. The Boeing 747 has a passenger capacity of up to 660 people. In addition, the vessel can accommodate luggage, two pilots, an onboard engineer and flight attendants. No wonder the model is called "Jumbo Jet" or the king of heaven - before the appearance of Airbus, this series of aircraft was in the lead in the nomination passenger transportation.

In terms of aerodynamic performance, the aircraft surpassed the previous series - 737. Here, the wings were highly modernized - with a height of one wing of 6 meters and a span of 60 meters, the engineers achieved a fuel economy of 3.5% and an increase in the duration of the flight.

The Boeing 747 is the first wide-body airliner and has remained the largest passenger aircraft for 35 years
The first flight of such a model was carried out in 1970.
Improved aerodynamic performance contributes to the development of a cruising board speed of 910-950 km / h
Boeing 747 400 cockpit
The aircraft cabin for three service classes assumes the carriage of up to 416 people

The brainchild of the American aircraft giant Boeing, the 747 entered the market back in 1970. Then the need for a new plane was so high that it was created very quickly, in just 4 years, from the drawings to the last tests. Initially, these aircraft were made with an eye to re-equipment in cargo, since it was believed that civil aviation would soon become on the rails of supersonic transportation.

But this did not happen, and Boeing-747-100 (the first mass modifications), thanks to their amazing combinations of high speed, economy and spaciousness, firmly occupied the niche of long-distance civil air transportation in many countries of the world.

History of creation

In the middle of the twentieth century, the popularity of air travel grew by leaps and bounds. Every year the demand for civil aviation vehicles increased in leaps and bounds. This trend, as expected, led to the emergence of a crisis in air carriers. The capabilities of aircraft at that time in terms of the number of transported goods and people required rapid growth.

This is how the history of the creation of the huge Boeing-747 airliner began. By the way, when it first started to enter the market, almost all newspaper reviews about it were replete with superlative epithets - such a large aircraft turned out to be well ahead of its time.

The father of the Boeing 747 is considered an engineer named Joe Sutter.

He was already working hard on the previous one, when he was entrusted with the project of a new roomy civil liner.

The developer took as a basis the idea of ​​a transport company, work on which was carried out several years earlier, when the Boeing company lost in the competition for a large military order in the United States. Therefore, the aircraft was originally designed to be completely double-decked.

But later, according to numerous recommendations of air carriers, the upper deck was reduced and began to occupy only part of the fuselage. This gave the Boeing its famous "humpback" shape, due to the two decks located in the bow, one above the other. The cockpit is located on the upper tier.

These manipulations with the aircraft structure were not accidental. The developers seriously believed that the era of supersonic airliners was approaching and measured a short life span for the new 747 Boeing. In the future, the released models were supposed to be converted for cargo needs, therefore, the cab was located at a height in order to arrange a cargo compartment under it.

Boeing 747 was not immediately liked by air carriers.

Many did not believe that it would be an economically viable civilian liner. And the plane did have problems as it consumed more fuel (with 4 engines) than most competitors with 3 engines. But the Boeing also had more passengers on board.

Therefore, after improvements and modifications, the 747 models became more popular and gradually began to occupy their niche in the air transportation market.

Design

The main distinguishing feature of the Boeing 747 is the characteristic hump in the bow. As already mentioned, initially the aircraft was supposed to be made completely double-deck. But this idea was abandoned and the upper floor was reduced. Today it accounts for 35% of the entire fuselage length.

Fuel tanks are provided in the wing, in addition, they are also in the tail section to maintain the weight balance of the aircraft.

Wing configuration - low-wing, wing itself, swept-shaped. The plumage is single-finned. The first Boeing versions received advanced wing mechanization. Fowler's triple-slot flaps are used on models.

Their main purpose is to reduce speed when landing on short runways. This was done due to considerations of underdeveloped airport infrastructure in the past. Today the majority air harbors are capable of receiving Boeings 747 series without any problems.

Upper tier

The upper deck at the front has the cockpit and passenger seats behind it. The number of passengers carried on the second tier can reach 50 people. There are models (less spacious), where only business class seats are located behind the cockpit.

The most common version in Russia - 3 rows for business passengers and 9 more rows of seats - superior comfort.

The most spacious Boeings-747 (up to 660 people) give the second tier completely for economy seats. One passage is designed between the seats, the seats are arranged according to the "2-2" scheme.

Lower tier

The lower deck is completely reserved for the passenger compartment. The seats are arranged according to the "3-4-3" scheme. There are two aisles between the rows of seats. In general, two aisles are a distinctive feature of wide-body airliners.

The tier at the bottom is characterized either by the accommodation of passengers in economy class, or by partial filling with seats of a higher level of "comfort".

Flight performance versus competitors

The Boeing 747 is considered the longest civilian jet in the world. The latest model - 747-8 - reaches 76 meters (previous versions were produced at 70.5 meters).
The keel height remains the same for all modifications of the 747 series and does not exceed 19.5 meters. The aircraft is 68.5 meters wide and has a wing area of ​​554 square meters.

The difference between Boeings is the take-off weight, which reaches 442 tons.

This is understandable: the plane was originally planned as a cargo plane, and this trend has been maintained by engineers to this day.

On takeoff, the plane accelerates to 270 kilometers per hour before taking off from the ground. The ceiling of the aircraft is 13,750 meters. In terms of cruising speed, Boeing-747s are also ahead of competitors in the subsonic niche (913-918 km / h, maximum - 988 km / h). For reference: the speed of sound in the air is 1224 km / h.

High reliability of the aircraft is achieved due to the installation of 4 engines on the wing.

747 Boeings are economical. Compared to competitors, fuel consumption is up to 3.5% lower with a long flight range, more than 14,000 kilometers without landing. Boeing 747s are considered long-haul liners.

Modifications

• Boeing 747-100 - the life of double-deck Boeing began with this model. They accommodated on board from 366 to 452 passengers (depending on the amenities provided: the lower the maximum capacity, the more luxury seats). The flight range reached 9,500 kilometers, and the model was produced from 1968 to 1976, when the oil crisis began.
• The Boeing 747-100SP is an optimized version of the previous model. Its main differences are an increased range of non-stop flights, more economical engines, a decrease in the length of the fuselage and, as a result, a capacity of no more than 220 people.
• The Boeing 747-200 is a Boeing success renowned for its versatility. The two-hundredth models were carried out exclusively for passenger transportation, for the transport of goods, as well as in combined versions (747-200M Combi). The lineup received even more powerful engines, a maximum allowable take-off weight (up to 380 tons), as well as a high range (up to 12,690 kilometers).
• The Boeing 747-300 was originally produced with three engines, but due to low demand, they were abandoned and the classic 4-engine version was released in 1980. The main difference is the increased area of ​​the upper deck, which made it possible to take on board more passengers (up to 624 with the full installation of only economy-class seats on the entire liner).
• The Boeing 747-400 is perhaps the most popular modification of the Boeing 747. Their external difference is vertical wing winglets to reduce the inductive drag of the wing, which reduces fuel consumption. By the way, on japanese islands there are still versions where this distinctive feature is absent due to the small distances during flights. The 747-400 crew was reduced to two people (by removing the flight engineer), and the most modern avionics are being installed on board.
• Boeing 747-8 is the latest modification of the famous double-decker. The engineers managed to increase the mass on takeoff, as well as raise the roominess indicators. The last tests ended in 2010, and since 2011 the models have been supplied to the world's airlines.

1. Boeing-747 at the time of release became the first wide-body civilian airliner and, in fact, opened a new page in passenger air transportation. For 36 long years (before its appearance), the American plane held the palm in the maximum number of seats for passengers.
2. Since the production time of the airliner was extremely tight, the first representative of the 747th model range was going under open air... It was only later that the largest building in the world in terms of volume was built for the production line (the volume of covered areas is 13.3 million cubic meters). And the area is also considerable - more than 50 hectares (70 football fields). To set up production, Boeing took out a loan of $ 2 billion, which at that time was an unprecedented amount.
3. Today it is known a large number of modifications of Boeing-747. They are used both for the transport of passengers and for transport purposes, special tasks. For example, the Evergreen 747 Supertanker is known as the largest firefighting aircraft on the planet. He takes on board almost 76 thousand liters of chemical mixtures to extinguish the fire.
4. Another feature is the wing structure. The 747 has a 37.5 degree sweep, which is more than other competing airliners. To get rid of dangerous wing vibrations in flight, depleted uranium is used as cargo in construction.
5. The President of the United States flies on an improved Boeing-747, nicknamed in the press "the plane of the Apocalypse." The country's first board is capable of speeds up to 1000 kilometers per hour.

Airplane perspectives

The main development of the 747th Boeing was in the 747-8 models. This latest aircraft, which receive a technological filling. Also, traditionally the new generation of Boeing aircraft has become more economical, quieter and less harmful to the environment. The main prospects for the company in the development of civil aviation are associated with these models.

Versatility has become a big help to the new airliner: the controls in it are very similar to the 747-400 - the legendary model. This means that only minor pilot training is required.

The 747-8 uses CFRP to reduce the weight of the liner.

But, all the same, this "Boeing" became the heaviest aircraft (takeoff weight of the Boeing-747-8 - 442 tons) in the history of US military and civil aviation.

Outwardly, the differences in the last model are not very big. The fuselage has been lengthened by more than 5 meters, compared to the 747-400. By the way, this allowed the new Boeing to become the longest airliner in the world: it surpassed the previous leader by almost a meter (Airbus A340-600).

The main difference is a fundamentally new wing structure. Using the same geometry, it became thinner and wider. The console tips are different from those found on the 747-400. They are more close to.

Working with the wing made it possible to increase the capacity of the tanks that are located in them. And various technical indicators have led to significant fuel savings. Thus, the aerodynamic properties of the wing profile allow avoiding end vortices, reducing wake and drag.

Conclusion

The Boeing 747 was originally built for a short period of time to "close" the growing demand for air travel, to become a transitional stage in the era of supersonic civil aviation.

But some of the unique features inherent in these American liners, on the contrary, meted out a long service life for it.

High efficiency, reliability, versatility allowed the Boeing 747 series to firmly occupy the niche of civil air transportation and keep it up to this day. It is likely that the lineup will serve people for a very long time, requiring only minor improvements and innovations.

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