747-8 Wings Its Way In

[Mike W]

From Fleetbuzz Editorial on the new 747-8

http://www.fleetbuzzeditorial.com/

Boeing recently announced that it had completed major assembly of the first pair of wings destined for the 747-8F.

The first 747-8F is due to roll out in late August 2009 with first flight tentatively scheduled to be conducted by the end of the third quarter of this year. First delivery is slated to launch customer Cargolux in the third quarter of next year. At last weeks earnings call, Boeing also announced that the 747-8 Intercontinental program would see its first delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011. Airline launch customer Lufthansa reiterated its plans to keep the order and says it will “stay as it is.”

For the 747-8 family, Boeing has given the wing an extensive overhaul to incorporate the newest techology to allow the airplane to fly further while carrying more fuel, all in a more efficient manner than preceding 747’s

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[Philip Argy]

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Speaking earlier this year, 747 Chief Engineer Michael Teal revealed some insight into the new wings for the 747-8 family.

“The improvements in performance come from two large areas. One is the new aerodynamic wing that improves the lift over drag and also the engine. Because the engine and the wing are the same on both airplanes, the technology changes that increase the improvements for fuel efficiency you get on both airplanes. In terms of the percentage improvement, it’s different whether you’re measuring in tonne-mile costs on the freighter versus seat-mile costs on the passenger, and of course they fly different distances, that’s why you’ll see different numbers,” he said.

[Philip Argy]

Here are some interior mockup photos plus a couple of real photos:
http://www.smh.com.au/photogallery/t...0505-atod.html

[Peter D]

http://www.news.com.au/travel/galler...007153,00.html