Boeing's 747 Large Cargo Freighter Development on Plan

Boeing.com ^ | Feb. 22, 2005 | Staff

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I think I read that Boeing is selling off its Wichita facilities used for non - military products, which this would seem to be.

[GarySpFc]

That's true. The Wichita commerical division was sold to a Canadian company.

[Paleo Conservative]

http://www.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2004/11/15/daily29.html

November 18, 2004

Boeing gets Russian help on 7E7 Ken Vandruff

The Boeing Co. is turning to Russian engineers to help design a modified 747 to carry parts of the new 7E7 Dreamliner to final assembly.

The company entered a five-year strategic partnership agreement with the Russian Ministry for Industry and Energy. The details were disclosed after a visit to Moscow by Boeing (NYSE: BA) CEO Harry Stonecipher.

Under the agreement, more than 350 engineers will work with the Boeing design center in Moscow to develop a special 747 freighter that can carry the wing and fuselage assemblies of the 7E7 from various subcontractors around the world to Boeing's final assembly plant in Everett, Wash. Major assemblies for the 7E7 will be produced in Japan, Italy and Boeing Wichita.

The modified 747 must be ready to fly in 2006 when Boeing plans to start production on the Dreamliner.

The deal also allows Boeing to acquire more Russian-made titanium.

Boeing is hoping the agreement will ultimately lead to Russian orders for the 7E7.

[RayChuang88]

But alas, those Super Guppy planes don't fly anymore due to the fact the airframe life of these planes have come to an end. That's why Airbus built the A300B4-600ST Super Transporter, which actually carries more than the Super Guppy.

[BurbankKarl]

and that Wichita Division is now a bidder for Airbus.

[BurbankKarl]

I remember when the Guppy and SuperGuppy were at Van Nuys Airport for years in the 70s.

[COEXERJ145]

The irony of the Guppies is that they were converted Boeing Stratocruisers or C-97's. Until the advent of the A300-600ST, every Airbus began its life in the belly of a Boeing.

[Paleo Conservative]

But alas, those Super Guppy planes don't fly anymore due to the fact the airframe life of these planes have come to an end. That's why Airbus built the A300B4-600ST Super Transporter, which actually carries more than the Super Guppy.

http://www.airbustransport.com/visuals.html

[Moose4]

The A300B4-600ST is innovative, it's a wonderful piece of technology, it's quite effective, and it is, without a doubt, one of the most hellishly godawful ugly airplanes ever to take to the air.

}:-)4

[Wiz]

I imagine this Large Cargo Freighter is likely to be good in cost performance for using existing systems but what about the air resistance for air blowing toward the bump of the front portion of the cargo area?

[Paleo Conservative]

You'd have to ask Boeing abou that. They're the ones who have designed and tested it in a wind tunnel.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Great stuff. But it makes me wonder Boeing didn't just slap a temporary nose cone and tail cone on the fuselage section being transported and stick it on top of the 747 fuselage. I seem to recall something similar being done before...

Sure, drag may have been higher, but I would think the higher fuel consumption would be more than offset by the cost of building these new transporters.

[spodefly]

BTTT

[EGPWS]

This looks like a really smart move. While Airbus may suck up large parts of the commerical passenger business Boeing can suck up the Airfreight biz. Works for me. 747 Is a superb air frame for an Airfreighter while A-380 isn't as well adapted.

Adapted? He!!, it hasn't been proved as of yet!

[endthematrix]

The Guppy at Johnson Space Center:
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/assembly/superguppy/index.html

[Prophet in the wilderness]

For right now, those modified freighters will only be used for the 787 program and production, however ? if Boeing were to see a interest and demand for the modified 747 - 400 , it would be only a guess that Boeing would see a niche market for a modified 747 - 400 freighter to compete with the A 380 freighter.
But, Boeing has plans on hand right now, to stretch the current 747 400 and make some modifications to the wing, engines, as the 747 Advanced ( most likely the 747 - 500 series )

[Prophet in the wilderness]

Well, in the last 8 weeks, we have seen Boeing pick up some significant sales and orders for planes, and could possibly beat Airbus in the most planes sold this year ( 2005 is going to be Boeing's year ).
As for the A 380, heavily subsidized by the EU government, over budget, over weight, big problems in their testing program so far. Looks like the A 380 is going to be late for delivery for the customers, and some of those customers might just back out of those contracts or those who are sitting on the fence waiting and thinking of buying the A 380 might just take a look at the NEW 747 Advanced.
You right about the 747, in spite of what some people would say about the 747 being a " OLD AND TIRED DESIGN " the 747 is a PROVEN , SAFE, and RELIABLE airframe design with 35 flying years to back it up.
If Boeing can improve on that 747 design, and make it even more economically more efficient that the A 380, then, I am sure Boeing can sell a few of those 747 Advanced versions.

[decimon]

I hope that yellow thingy is to provide support for the tail section when swung. Doesn't look like a Big Friendly Hinge would do.