Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

What a truly amazing feat that he led. Less than three years to design and construct that aircraft...using pencils and slide-rules!!!! The 747 changed the world! Respect.

Edited by SAMMY HANDWICH
Posted (edited)

Crazy respect - in every sense. As someone with an engineering / program management / manufacturing / supply chain background - people like this are on the Mt Rushmore of life.

 

Good post GBID!!

Edited by BuffaloBud
Posted

Great airplane to fly on. When it was designed in the 60's, travel forecasts said that the airlines would need that large a plane to satisfy demand. By the time it came into service, it was the early 70's, there was a recession, and demand was seldom there. Then all the oil embargo crap started in 74, and fuel efficiency started to become more important. The fact that the 747-100 had a 8 hour range, with full passenger load and cargo, kept it flying long hauls. It was profitable IF it could carry decent passenger loads.

 

The 747-400 had an added fuel tank in the tail, and that increased range from 8 to 11-12 hours. Still passenger demand often lagged the large number of seats.

 

Boeing has a 747-800 available now. More fuel efficient and better range, but not selling too well because the airlines don't need that many seats on an airplane. Same with the A-380's. Great airplane but mostly popular with middle eastern airlines who are not in business to make money. Airbus is having a tough sell for any more A-380's.

 

We often drive 2 hours to Dulles to avoid all the Regional jet flights.from Richmond Last trip thru Dulles was last December and there were not too many 747's on the gates then.

×
×
  • Create New...