Boeing will offer further details of the latest in a long line of 747 derivative studies today at the show. Whether the study, whose scanty details were first revealed at a briefing given by Boeing vice-president of marketing Randy Baseler just before Paris, becomes more substantial or goes the way of other ideas such as the 747X, 747-400X Quiet Longer Range or 747-800X, remains to be seen.
The 747 concept being examined by Boeing is "the next major step in the evolution" of the aircraft, says Baseler. The concept aims for a "clear break from what we've been looking at in the past".
A Boeing spokesman says that although the study is "quite small scale", it is looking at an aircraft with more capacity and longer range than the 747-400. The study aircraft has evolved from the 747-800X, first outlined in late 2002, which had some structural improvements, more fuel and a small fuselage stretch.
Boeing says the study is also taking a step forward from the 747-800X concept, recognising some technologies to be incorporated have advanced since then. The market requirements haven't changed dramatically since the -800X concept was outlined, but "we think we have better solutions", adds Baseler at the show.
Boeing says the new concept is "a little bit longer" than the 747-800X. The standard three-class configuration of the 747-400 is 420 seats, whereas the concept 747 has 440 seats in a similar arrangement.
Evolution
Baseler says the concept has already been introduced to some airlines. "The key thing is to continue to evolve this product."
The latest major upgrade of the 747-400 is the extra range version delivered to Qantas in late 2002 that has 500nm (925km) more range, flat panel avionics and a 777 interior.
The 'market space' for aircraft the size of the latest 747 concept is about 350 passenger and 150 freighter versions over the next 20 years, he says.
However, the Boeing spokesman stresses it is a "preliminary study as part of on-going product development efforts we do these studies all the time". Further details will be outlined at the show, but "don't look for us to launch this aircraft here".
Source: Flight Daily News
