Spain's Gamesa Aeronautica is working with Boeing on the 747LCF's swing zone - a strengthened barrel section divided radially into two and connected with two massive hinges on the port side of the aircraft. The swing zone adds an additional 3.05m (10ft) to the aircraft, extending fuselage length to 72m. Boeing is designing a "unique" ground vehicle to swing open the tail as well as support it.
Other specially developed vehicles will transport 787 sub-assemblies to the LCF in support fixtures that will travel with the piece until arrival on the assembly line. The enlarged cargo space, which is 300% larger than the -400F, is not pressurised and will be divided from the flight deck and forward Section 41 by a new pressure bulkhead.
Source: Flight International
