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21 fascinating facts about the Boeing 747, which established the Queen of Sky reputation over a half-century

21 Facts about the Boeing 747, which forged the Queen of Sky reputation over a half-century

The final Boeing 747 will leave the Boeing production facility. the legacy of “Airplane” coming to an end with a ceremony to commemorate the final 747 being delivered to Atlas Air The final aircraft, a 747-8 Freighter, is the 1,574th built throughout the course of the 55-year production cycle. Since 1969, it has served as an inspiration for the creation of other airplanes. It certainly set new benchmarks for aviation history.

The Boeing 747 had a wingspan of 196 feet and a fuselage that was more than 20 feet broad, making it the largest commercial aircraft in the world when it was originally presented in 1970. Due to its massive size, the 747 was able to transport many more passengers than earlier aircraft, revolutionizing air travel by making long-haul trips more convenient and economical. Another distinguishing feature that helped the 747 stand out from other airplanes was the “hump” shape on the upper deck, which contained the cockpit and lounge space.

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Despite its size, the 747 was designed to be highly maneuverable and was equipped with four powerful engines that allowed it to fly at high altitudes and high speeds. Over the years, the 747 has been updated and improved, with the latest version, the 747-8, incorporating advanced systems and technology that have helped to maintain its position as one of the largest and most capable commercial airliners in the world.

The Boeing 747 is widely regarded as a pioneering and iconic aircraft in aviation history, with a legacy that has had a significant impact on both the aviation industry and popular culture. Some of the key legacies of the Boeing 747 include:

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  1. Largest commercial aircraft: The 747 was the largest commercial aircraft when it was first introduced in 1970, and its size has been surpassed only by the Airbus A380.

  2. Longest production run: The 747 had the longest production run of any commercial airliner, with continuous production from 1968 to 2021.
  3. Most units produced: The 747 is the most-produced wide-body airliner in history, with over 1,500 units produced.
  4. Fastest transatlantic crossing: The 747 set a record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a commercial airliner, completing the journey in just under 4 hours.
  5. Most passengers carried: The 747 has carried more passengers than any other commercial airliner, with over 5 billion people flown on the aircraft.
  6. Most cargo carried: The 747 is also the most widely used cargo aircraft in the world, having carried more cargo than any other aircraft.
  7. Longest-range commercial airliner: The 747-8, the latest version of the 747, is capable of flying non-stop for over 8,000 nautical miles, making it the longest-range commercial airliner in the world.
  8. Most fuel-efficient wide-body airliner: The 747-8 is also one of the most fuel-efficient wide-body airliners, with fuel consumption that is significantly lower than its predecessors.
  9. Pioneered the wide-body jetliner concept: The 747 was the first wide-body commercial aircraft, revolutionizing air travel by offering greater passenger comfort and capacity.
  10. Changed air travel: The 747 made long-haul air travel more accessible and affordable, enabling people to travel around the world more easily.
  11. Boosted global trade and tourism: The 747 helped to spur economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and people across the world.
  12. Influenced aircraft design: The 747’s distinctive “hump” design, large size, and impressive capabilities have inspired other aircraft manufacturers and helped to set the standard for future commercial airliners.
  13. Icon of popular culture: The 747 has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books, and has become a symbol of both aviation and the technological advances of the 20th century.
  14. Advanced aviation technology: The 747 has been at the forefront of aviation technology and innovation, incorporating cutting-edge systems and features that have been adopted by other aircraft.
  15. Enhanced air safety: The 747’s large size, advanced systems, and improved operational capabilities have contributed to a safer and more efficient aviation industry.
  16. 1088 pax capacity: During the crises, Boeing aircraft were used for numerous airlift missions, but one flight in 1991 saw it carry roughly 1088 passengers, which is more than twice as many as it can hold.
  17. Electrical Wiring Spanning 171 Miles:  It would be an understatement to say that the Boeing 747 has a lot of electrical wiring. The Boeing 747 has a sophisticated electrical system made up of wire and other parts, just like every other aircraft. However, if you stretched out all of its electrical wirings, it would go for more than 150 miles.
  18. 6 million parts: Its maximum takeoff weight is approximately 396,890 kg, and half of the six million parts used are fasteners. Its construction included 66,150 kg of high-strength aluminum.
  19. Ruled more than 50 years: As a Jumbo jet that transported numerous passengers, the Boeing 747 dominated the market until 2010. However, as a result of its higher operating costs and resulting increased fuel consumption, demand for the aircraft gradually began to decline.
  20. B747 NASA mission: It has also been employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA bought two modified Boeing 747s in the late 1970s for use in space shuttle missions. NASA effectively transported its space shuttles using modified 747 aircraft. The modified 747 was loaded with the space shuttle and then took off.
  21. The Last Air Force One B747: This aircraft is being used to build the new Air Force One aircraft, which is built on the B747 and exclusively flies the United States Presidents; the older aircraft will be phased out. This airplane will have all the modern features that are unique to 21st-century aircraft. By 2025, two airplanes with a combined worth of US $5.5 billion are anticipated to be operational.

In conclusion, the legacy of the Boeing 747 is vast and far-reaching, reflecting its status as one of the most important and influential aircraft in aviation history.

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

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On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

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One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

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Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

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The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

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To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

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Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

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The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

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Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.

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