[sharpee]

This is a connected article that shows the modified 747 and the loader. It is one difficult engineering task


http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/june/ts_sf05.html

[skeptoid]

Thanks...just the thing I've been looking for!

[GBA]

I'm wondering about all of the control cable, hydraulic and electronics interconnects that would allow it to swing open and closed like that, not to mention how to lock the tail to make it a solid, one piece airplane again. The loads one those locks and fasteners must be tremendous!

[phantomworker]

Good article. Thanks.

[poindexter]

In related news, here's Airbus' new passenger loading system:

[Robert A Cook PE]

I'm not sure I agree with the "difficultly" or novelty of the engineering: looks like a scaled up version of the bi-sectioned planes flying since the early B-29's were converted after WWII.

Difficult and rigorous engineering certainly.