Too long flight?

[EHM-0517 Attila]

Hi

Last week I looked for a flight to Australia and found Eurocargo C535. My flight planner's shortest way was 8046 miles direct GPS. The 747-400 tech data gives a max range 7135 m. I tried it out with my PMDG 747 (the best 747model, I think) and I was able to reach my dest. with full tanks at start, 1/3 payload, and a 100 knots tailwind in the last 3 hours of my flight. Not too much landing fuel weight (less then safe landing fuel minimum), see my PIREP. I used best ECON speeds and step to climb procedure to stay on opt. alt. So I'm not sure that I can reach Athens on my way back(C536) in the same wind conditions. Isn't this flight too long for the 747?

Best regards
Attila Gám
EHM-0517

[EHM-0502 Desmond]

I think it depends on which model of the 747 you have. There was along range model (747SP?) which SAA use to fly direct from Johannesburg to New York / Miami.

It had a smaller payload in terms of passengers / cargo load, and I think was slightly shorter as well.

[EHM-0517 Attila]

You are right. The 747SP is a short body 747 built for extra range. It hold the world record until 1989 when a 747-400 beat it. I only wanted to point at that Euroharmony uses the 747-400F for this flight, and I think it's not capable for such a range. Possibly with two body tanks in the cargo hold, I heard something about, but don't know their capacity and which type of aircraft can be fitted on.

[EHM-1539 Pierre]

http://www.skyteamcargo.com/en/news/news_releases/news_01042003c.htm

It says the range of the 747-400 ERF is 9000+ km, let's say 10000.
8046 nautical miles is... 14900 km.

[EHM-0744 Alex]

Have you guys heard about the 747-800? Some feeble news came out on a Spanish newspaper with little info. It said Cargolux and ANA had already ordered.

[EHM-1539 Pierre]

From German financial weekly WirtschaftsWoche:


Boeing to launch revamped Jumbo 747 in 2005

Boeing Co will bring a revamped version of its Jumbo 747 in 2005 on the
market, one year before Airbus Industrie launches its Super-Airbus A 380. "We will have made the first
steps for the model by March," Boeing developer Dan Mooney said, according
to WirtschaftsWoche. The revamped Jumbo 747 with the preliminary name
747-800X will have a range of 15,000 kilometers and be able to carry 500
passengers, 40 more than the previous model, the magazine said. It will
also be considerably lighter and quieter, it added. The new version of
the Jumbo 747 will replace Boeing's planned sonic cruiser, a project that
will be cancelled soon, due to a lack of interest from airlines,
WirtschaftsWoche said, citing industry sources.