Boeing has refined its 747 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF) concept being developed for its 7E7 air logistics system to load major components via a swing-tail assembly rather than through oversized side-mounted cargo doors in the fuselage. The company expects to complete firm design configuration by the end of the year and by then will decide which partner or partners, if any, will help it modify the first of up to three ex-passenger 747-400s for the role.
The modification effort will increase the volume above the main cargo deck to around 1,845m3 (65,000ft3), or roughly three times the volume of the same area in the standard 747-400F. Despite the volume, Boeing says the weight of the 7E7 subassemblies (including the fuselage itself) will not require the strengthened deck of the -400F version, meaning that former passenger -400s will be adequate. The aircraft is expected to be certificated by the end of 2006 in time for the start of 7E7 assembly at the end of that year or in early 2007.
Source: Flight International
