Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 747 is one of the most recognisable airplanes in the world. Its large fuel capacity allows it to fly long routes and carry thousands of gallons of fuel. The number of fuel tanks in a 747 varies depending on the model and configuration. The debut version, the 747-100, has a central tank and two main fuel tanks in each wing, with reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections. Later versions, such as the 747-8 Intercontinental, have additional auxiliary fuel tanks in the horizontal stabilizers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fuel tanks | 2 in each wing, 1 in the outer wing sections, 1 in the centre of the wing, 1 in the vertical stabilizer |
| Fuel capacity | 48,400-63,034 gallons (183,214-238,610 litres) |
| Fuel type | Jet A, Jet A-1, Jet B |
| Fuel weight | 400,000 lbs |
| Fuel consumption | 5 gallons per mile, 0.01 gallons per passenger per mile, 3,600 gallons per hour, 60 gallons per minute |
| Refuelling cost | $140,000 - $170,000 |
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What You'll Learn
The Boeing 747's fuel capacity
The Boeing 747 is one of the most recognisable airplanes in the world. Its long range and high passenger capacity have allowed airlines to open up new and previously unserved direct routes worldwide. The 747 has been in production since 1967, and over 100 customers have purchased 1,574 examples, logging more than 118 million flight hours across almost 23 million flight cycles.
The amount of fuel a Boeing 747 can carry depends on the aircraft model. Boeing produced several versions of its legendary Queen of the Skies, each with a slightly different fuel capacity. The debut version, the 747-100, completed its first test flight in 1969 and could carry 48,400 gallons of fuel, approximately 183,214 litres. The 747-200 and 300 models came with incremental upgrades to increase range and maximum takeoff weight, as well as additional windows on the upper deck. The fuel capacity was also slightly increased to 52,410 gallons (199,158 litres).
The 747-400 model featured further range, capacity, and fuel efficiency improvements. It could hold more than 9% more fuel than the previous models, for a total capacity of 57,285 gallons (216,840 litres). The final 747 model, the 747-8, was the longest commercial aircraft produced when it arrived and came with a 16% increase in payload capacity. Boeing built two types: the 747-8i Intercontinental, which carried 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres), and the 747-8f freighter, with a fuel capacity of 59,734 gallons (226,095 litres).
The majority of the fuel on a 747 is stored in the aircraft's wings. This allows the plane to remain balanced as the fuel funnels down into the engines symmetrically, increasing the storage capacity in the fuselage for cargo. On a 747, there are two main fuel tanks in each wing, reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections, and a central wing tank in the middle. For structural reasons, the wing tanks are filled first, then any remaining fuel needed for the specific flight is put into the central wing tank. Select models of the jumbo jet also can seal part of the horizontal stabilizer and use it as an auxiliary fuel tank to increase the total capacity.
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The 747's fuel tank size
The Boeing 747 is one of the world's most recognisable aircraft, with a long range and high passenger capacity. The amount of fuel a 747 can carry depends on the aircraft model. The debut version, the 747-100, could carry 48,400 gallons of fuel (approximately 183,214 litres). The 747-100B model was developed from the 747-100 and had an increased fuel capacity of 48,070 gallons (182,000 litres).
The 747-400 is another popular model, with a fuel capacity of 57,164 gallons (216,840 litres). This model has eight fuel tanks, and fuel management is largely automated. During a long trip, it is important that the fuel in some tanks is burned off before using the fuel in other tanks, otherwise the aircraft can become unbalanced.
The 747-8 is the longest commercial aircraft produced when it arrived and has a payload capacity of 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres). The 747-8 freighter version has a fuel capacity of 59,734 gallons (226,095 litres).
The majority of the fuel in a 747 is stored in the aircraft's wings. There are two main fuel tanks in each wing, reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections, and a central wing tank in the middle. Some models can also use the horizontal stabilisers as auxiliary fuel tanks to increase total capacity.
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How the 747's fuel tanks are filled
The Boeing 747 is one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world, with a high passenger capacity and long range. The amount of fuel that a 747 can carry depends on the aircraft model. The debut version, the 747-100, could carry 48,400 gallons of fuel (approximately 183,214 litres). The 747-200 and 300 models increased fuel capacity to 52,410 gallons (199,158 litres). The 747-400 model increased fuel capacity further to 57,285 gallons (216,840 litres). The 747-8 model is the final 747 variant, with the 747-8i Intercontinental carrying 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres) and the 747-8f freighter carrying 59,734 gallons (226,095 litres).
The 747's fuel tanks are located in the wings and fuselage of the aircraft. The majority of the fuel is stored in the wings, with two main fuel tanks in each wing, reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections, and a central wing tank in the middle. The large size of the fuel tanks means that the entire wingspan of the plane is utilised for fuel storage. The wing tanks are filled first, followed by the central tank, which is only partially filled if the flight requires additional fuel.
The process of filling the fuel tanks on a 747 typically involves specialised fuel pumps and equipment at airports or other refuelling facilities. Ground crew workers connect the refuelling equipment to the aircraft's fuel ports, which are located near the wings or fuselage, depending on the specific design of the 747 variant. The refuelling equipment pumps the fuel into the tanks, ensuring that the appropriate amount of fuel is added to each tank to maintain proper weight distribution and balance during flight.
The exact refuelling procedure may vary depending on the airport, airline, and specific 747 model. In some cases, refuelling may be automated or semi-automated, with sensors and control systems monitoring the fuel levels and adjusting the flow rate accordingly. The refuelling process also includes safety checks to ensure that the fuel is being properly delivered and that there are no leaks or other issues that could impact the aircraft's safety or performance.
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The 747's fuel consumption
The Boeing 747 is a popular choice for airlines operating long routes due to its large capacity, long range, and fuel efficiency. The 747's fuel capacity varies depending on the model and configuration, ranging from 48,400 to 63,034 gallons, or 183,214 to 238,610 litres. The debut version, the 747-100, which launched in 1969, holds 48,400 gallons of jet fuel. The next two versions, the 747-200 and 300, offered a significant improvement in fuel capacity, increasing to 52,410 gallons.
The 747-400, which offers a 9% increase in fuel capacity compared to its predecessors, can carry 57,285 gallons of fuel. This model has become one of the most popular variants of the 747, with a range of subtypes, including long-range and freighter models.
The final 747 model, the 747-8, offers a 16% increase in payload capacity. The 747-8i Intercontinental has a fuel capacity of 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres), while the 747-8f freighter can hold 59,734 gallons (226,095 litres).
The 747's fuel efficiency is impressive, with a fuel consumption rate of approximately 1 gallon (about 4 litres) of jet fuel per second during cruise. Over a 10-hour flight, this equates to approximately 36,000 gallons (150,000 litres) of fuel burned. When flying from London to New York, a 747-400 burns approximately 70,000 kilograms of fuel.
The 747's fuel is stored in multiple tanks located in the wings and, in some models, the fuselage. Each wing typically features two fuel tanks: a main tank in the centre and a reserve tank in the outer section. The reserve tank is prioritised during refuelling for safety reasons, while the main tank is filled with the amount of fuel required for the specific route. Select models of the 747 can also utilise the horizontal stabiliser as an auxiliary fuel tank to further increase capacity.
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The 747's fuel tank location
The Boeing 747 is one of the world's most recognisable aircraft, with a long range and high passenger capacity. The 747 has a fuel tank that takes up the entire wingspan of the plane. This allows the plane to remain balanced as the fuel funnels down into the engines symmetrically, increasing storage capacity in the fuselage for cargo.
The 747-400, the most popular variant of the aircraft, has eight fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 57,164 gallons of Jet-A fuel. This amount weighs over 380,000 pounds, and pilots typically discuss fuel in terms of weight rather than volume.
On a 747, there are two main fuel tanks in each wing, reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections, and a central wing tank in the middle. The wing tanks are filled first, and any remaining fuel needed for a particular flight is then added to the central tank.
Select models of the jumbo jet can also seal part of the horizontal stabilizer and use it as an auxiliary fuel tank to increase capacity. Early 747s had a central tank, but by the 1990s, these were rarely used. The 747-8 Intercontinental, the passenger version of the aircraft, initially faced issues with the fuel tanks in the horizontal stabilizers, but it is unclear whether this issue was ever rectified.
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Frequently asked questions
A 747 has multiple fuel tanks. Each wing has two fuel tanks: a reserve tank on the outer part and a main tank in the center. There is also a central wing tank in the middle of the aircraft. Select models of the jumbo jet also have an auxiliary fuel tank in the horizontal stabilizer.
The amount of fuel a 747 needs depends on the aircraft model and the specific route. A 747-400F consumes approximately 5 gallons of fuel per mile and 3,600 gallons of fuel per hour. It consumes 5,000 gallons from takeoff until reaching cruise altitude and approximately 1 ton of fuel between the gate and the runway.
The cost of refueling a 747 depends on various factors, including the fuel market price, the flying route, the aircraft model, fuel type, and taxes. It typically costs around $140,000 to $170,000 to refuel a 747.
