Guy Norris/LOS ANGELES
Boeing has revealed plans to develop a Longer Range 747-400X Freighter and is in talks with potential launch customers with a target entry-into-service date in December 2002.
The proposed -400X freighter will have the same 412,770kg (910,000lb) maximum-take-off-weight of the passenger Longer Range -400 launched last year with an order for six from Qantas, but will build on the existing -400F configuration. The heavier weight provides either an extra 6,800kg of payload, or - perhaps more importantly to some trans-Pacific cargo operators - an extra 925km range.
"We're seeing a lot of interest, particularly from traditional cargo airlines," says 747-400 programme manager Jeff Peace. Boeing began studies of the -400X Freighter late last year after customer enquiries about a cargo derivative of the Longer Range -400. " I'm pretty encouraged we'll see a sale soon," he says.
Although Boeing declines to comment on a specific launch timetable, Peace says go-ahead "could happen" by mid-year. "We don't have a launch criteria [on numbers]; we will launch when we have the right customer interest," he adds. Airlines believed to be looking closely at the proposal include Air France, Cathay Pacific and Cargolux. The extra range is expected to be particularly valuable as it would enable carriers to save the cost of technical stops at places like Tokyo's Narita on routes from Anchorage to Asia.
Baselined with 62,100lb (276kN) thrust General Electric CF6-80C2B5F engines, against the 56,500lb thrust -2B1Fs on current -400Fs, the new freighter would have a design mission range of 9,200km against the present version's 8,225km. Structural strengthening of the fuselage, which would not have the belly-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks of the passenger version, strengthening of the wing and changes to the wheels, tyres and brakes would increase operating empty weight by 320kg to 164,340kg. In a reverse of the evolution of the Longer Range passenger model, which uses a strengthened version of the -400F wing, the -400X Freighter will use the stronger wing of the new passenger version.
Meanwhile Boeing has reached the 25% structural engineering release point on the Longer Range passenger model, clearing the way for the start of tooling and part fabrication. The aircraft is being designed to carry up to two 12,300 litre (3,240 US gal) auxiliary fuel tanks, though Qantas has selected only a single tank for its aircraft which will be delivered from November 2002 onwards. Boeing expects to reach the 90% design release point in January 2002, with major assembly starting soon after.
The first aircraft is set to roll out in May 2002, and will feature the 777-style new interior planned for the 747X passenger model. Boeing says the structural modifications, interior fittings and systems changes being developed for the Longer Range -400 provide a key bridge to the 747X programme.
Source: Flight International
