Boeing 747-8F Takes To The Air

[Mike W]

I was going to post this in the Taxi Testv thread but I think it's significant enough to warrant it's own...

http://www.fleetbuzzeditorial.com/2010/02/08/747-8/

First Major 747 Stretch Takes Off On Debut Flight

First Flight Comes As Iconic Jet Enters Fifth Decade

747-8 Intercontinental Roll Out Due In Q4 2010, First Flight Q1 2011

After successfully completing taxi tests, the first 747-8F took off on its maiden flight, kicking off a 3,700 hour certification effort with first delivery to Cargolux due in the fourth quarter of this year. The first 747-8F took off just one day short of the forty-first anniversary of the first 747 flight.
Continues

[Will H]

Photos here courtesy of Flightblogger: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/2010/02/photos-of-note-boeing-747-8f-i.html

[Russell D]

One thing I can't help admiring is the size of the GE engines on the thing. They seem considerably larger than conventional engines on previous models of 747s.

After a little research, it seems the GEnx-1B64 powerplants on the 748 are the largest (diameter wise) engines in the world...their diameter being a little wider than the GE90-115Bs found on some 777s out there. However the GEnx-1B64 is apparently much shorter lengthwise and delivers less thrust than the GE90.

GEnx-1B64
Length: 196 in (498 cm)
Diameter: 144 in (366 cm)
Dry weight: Unknown
Compressor: Axial, 1 stage fan, 4 stage low pressure compressor, 10 stage high pressure compressor
Combustors: Annular
Turbine: Axial, 2 stage high pressure turbine, 7 stage low pressure turbine
Maximum Thrust: 63,800 lbf (284kN)

GE90-115Bs
Length: 287 in (7,290 mm)
Diameter: overall: 135 in (3,429 mm) ; fan: 128 in (3,251 mm)
Dry weight: 18,260 lb (8,283 kg)
Compressor: axial: 1 wide chord swept fan, 4 low pressure stages, 9 high pressure stages
Turbine: axial: 6 low pressure stages, 2 high pressure stages
Maximum Thrust: max at sea level: 115,300 lbf (512.9 kN) ; world record set at 127,900 lbf (568,9 kN) 827 feet above sea level

[Mike W]

One thing I can't help admiring is the size of the GE engines on the thing. They seem considerably larger than conventional engines on previous models of 747s.

Thanks for sharing Russell. I felt the same thing about how big they looked but assured myself that it was either an optical illusion or I was just used to seeing RB211s or similar on a 747 wing.

Now you've put that niggle to rest. Thanks again :cool:

[Craig Lindsay]

How good was that.Continues to be the elegant lady of the skies,even after 40 years.

[Brian Hoy]

Having seen it on the assembly line back in August last year it has been a long wait for this day. The engines weren't on it then but even in that big shed you could tell that baby is longgg. It is still as elegant as ever but can't wait for the 8i with the extended upper lobe, should look even better. has anyone seen the computer generated clip of an 8i in QANTAS colours on Youtube? Interesting!

[Joseph Saragozza.]

she sure is one really long bird;)

are you referring to this one brian?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTkLnGpun54

i really really do hope that QF order this bird in the future.