Almost two-thirds of the design for the Longer Range Boeing 747-400 has been released to engineering in the run up to the start of final assembly of the first aircraft for Australian flag carrier Qantas, which is due to begin in February 2002.
Boeing passed the 63% design release point in late August, and says early long lead sub-assembly work on the reinforced structural elements of the heavier 747 variant is now under way. This includes wider gauge skins, ribs and spars as well as forgings for the stronger undercarriage required by the aircraft, which will have a maximum take-off weight of 413t.
Tests have also been successfully completed on the auxiliary fuel tank, which has been developed by Marshall of Cambridge in the UK.
The first of six aircraft ordered by Qantas is due to roll out in June 2002 and will begin a short flight test programme the following month. Pending the successful completion of these tests, first delivery is set for October.
Qantas originally ordered the first two Longer Range -400s for handover in 2002 and the balance over an extended period between 2003 and 2005.
The airline has accelerated deliveries of the new fleet following its recent decision to bring forward the retirement of older 747-200s and 747SPs, and should have them all in service by late 2004 (Flight International 28 August-3 September).
Source: Flight International
