Description:
The Boeing 747 is a huge, short and long range, high capacity airliner intended primarily for intercontinental flights. This aircraft is capable of flying at Mach 0.85 carrying around 500 passengers. The first model, 747-100 ordered by Pan Am, entered service in 1970 with a take-off weight of 340-ton. Along with the -100 model, the 747-100B, -100SR for short range/high-capacity flights and -100SF freighter were introduced in 1970.
The Boeing 747-400 is the only 747 model in production incorporating major aerodynamic improvements over earlier models such as winglets to reduce drag. Along with major aerodynamic improvements, the 747-400 introduces new digital avionics, lightweight aluminum alloys, a new flight deck and entertainment systems. It is externally similar to 747-300 model.
The four-engine 747-400 can be powered alternatively by Pratt & Whitney PW4062, Rolls Royce RB211-524 or General Electric CF6-80C2 engines rated approximately at 60,000 pounds each. More than 240,000 pounds of thrust enable the 747-400 to travel at Mach 0.85 while performing intercontinental flights.
The Boeing 747-400ERF is the cargo transport variant of the 747-400ER airliner. It can transport more payload thanks to not being fitted with the fuel tanks compartment of the -400ER model.
The first 747-400ERF Freighter was delivered to Air France in 2002. It can be powered either by four Pratt & Whitney PW4062 or four General Electric CF6-80C2 engines.
On 5 July 2005, Guggenheim Aviation Partners placed a firm order for six Boeing 747-400ER Freighters (747-400ERF) valued at approximately $1.37 billion. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in late 2006 and run through the first half of 2008.
On 14 July 2005, Boeing and China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines, finalized an agreement for the acquisition of two Boeing 747-400ER Freighters, also known as the 747-400ERF, valued at $430 million. Deliveries were scheduled to take place in July 2006 and August 2007.
On 15 September 2005, Boeing and China's Jade Cargo International achieved and agreement for the purchase of six Boeing 747-400ER Freighters valued at $1.3 billion. Aircraft deliveries were scheduled for 2006 through January 2008.
Russia's AirBridge Cargo Airline, a subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, placed an order for two Boeing 747-400ER Freighters powered by General Electric CF6-80C2B5F engines on 3 November 2005. The two aircraft were valued at $450 million with deliveries expected for October 2007 and February 2008.
On 22 June 2006, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways and Boeing announced an order for six 747-400ERFs (747-400ER Freighters). The airplanes were valued at $1.4 billion and scheduled for delivery beginning in 2008. On 17 July 2006, Cathay Pacific and Pratt & Whitney signed the engine contract valued at more than $300 million. The deal included 24 PW4062A installation engines and three spare engines.
On 17 July 2006, Kuwait-based LoadAir Cargo an air freight operator placed an order for two Boeing 747-400ERF freighters to be delivered in early 2009. These aircraft were valued at $494 million. This announcement was made public at the Farnborough Air Show in England.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2
Dimensions: Height 19.4 m, Length 71 m, Wingspan 64.4 m
Weights: Max Weight 414 t, Min Weight 164 t, Payload 112,763 kg (248,596 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 248,000 lb (112,493 kg)
Performance: Max Range 9,200 km (4,968 nm), Top Speed 283 mps (Mach 0.85)
China / 14 
France
Kuwait / 2 
Netherlands
Russia / 2 
South Korea
United States of America / 6