The Boeing 747-8 is the latest and largest variant of the iconic 747 "Queen of the Skies," and the only version still in production (primarily as a freighter, though a passenger variant also exists). It's a long-range, wide-body airliner that leverages technology from the 787 Dreamliner to offer improved efficiency, reduced noise, and increased capacity compared to its predecessors.
Here are some key characteristics:
- Variants: Available as the 747-8 Intercontinental (passenger) and the 747-8 Freighter.
- Length: It is the longest commercial aircraft in service, stretching to 76.3 meters (250 ft 2 in), surpassing even the Airbus A380 in length.
- Capacity: The 747-8 Intercontinental typically seats around 467 passengers in a three-class configuration, while the Freighter offers immense cargo capacity.
- Range: Has an impressive range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles (14,815 km) for the passenger version.
- Engines: Powered by four General Electric GEnx-2B turbofan engines, which are more fuel-efficient and quieter than previous 747 engines. These are similar to those used on the 787 Dreamliner.
- Wings: Features a redesigned wing with new raked wingtips (instead of winglets) and revised aerodynamics, contributing to its improved efficiency.
- Key Features: Includes a modernized flight deck, and the passenger version boasts a "Dreamliner-inspired" interior with more spaciousness and advanced lighting. Its design aimed to incorporate the efficiency lessons from the 787 while maintaining the 747's large capacity.
The 747-8 represents the pinnacle of the 747 lineage, offering significant advancements. While the passenger version saw limited sales compared to the more popular twin-engine wide-bodies, the 747-8 Freighter has been highly successful, continuing the 747's legacy as a vital global cargo mover.
