RIP Joe Sutter - Inventor of the 747

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/02/business/joe-sutter-dead.html

 

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/joe-sutter-led-the-incredibles-who-pioneered-boeings-747-jumbo-jet/

 

 

[BUFFALOKIE]

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 September 2, 2016 by SAMMY HANDWICH

[BuffaloBud]

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 September 2, 2016 by BuffaloBud

[Marv's Neighbor]

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.