Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 747 is a quadjet that burns a significant amount of fuel, approximately 3,500 to 3,800 gallons per hour at cruising speed. This equates to about one gallon of fuel every second. While the exact fuel burn rate depends on various factors, the 747's high fuel consumption has led to high operating costs for airlines. During taxiing, the engines may be at idle, but the stop-and-go nature of this process can still consume a notable amount of fuel. Determining the exact fuel burn at idle for a 747 is complex due to the many variables involved, but it is clear that the 747's fuel efficiency has contributed to its decline in favour of more efficient twinjet designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel burn rate at idle | Not available |
| Fuel burn rate per hour | 3,500-3,800 gallons |
| Fuel burn rate per second | 1 gallon |
| Fuel capacity | 48,400 gallons |
| Fuel capacity (747-8i Intercontinental) | 63,034 gallons |
| Fuel capacity (747-400) | 238,604 liters |
| Fuel burn rate per hour (747-400) | 10-11 tonnes |
| Fuel burn rate for a 10-hour flight | 36,000 gallons |
| Fuel burn rate for a 5-hour flight | 18,000 gallons |
| Fuel burn rate for a 1-hour flight | 3,500-3,800 gallons |
Explore related products
![(G)I-DLE 4th Mini Album [BURN] FLOWER VER. CD+Photo Book+3 Card+Mini Poster(ON PACK) K-POP SEALDED+TRACKING CODE](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31OWLQmAXIL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![(G) I-DLE Mini Album Vol. 4 - I burn (Winter Ver.)[+Extra Photocards Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/211C4fLWlyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- A 747 burns 3,500-3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed
- Jet engines are designed to operate most economically at cruising altitude
- The 747-400 variant has a higher engine efficiency and improved aerodynamics
- The 747's fuel burn rate depends on passenger capacity and engine type
- The 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel every second, totaling 18,000 gallons in a 5-hour flight
A 747 burns 3,500-3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed
The Boeing 747 is a quadjet that burns 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed. This equates to roughly 1 gallon, or 4 litres, of fuel every second. The exact fuel burn rate depends on the passenger capacity and the particular make and model of the engines installed.
The 747 is one of the largest and fastest commercial jets, with a cruising speed of 580 miles per hour. This means that one mile is covered every 6.2 seconds. Using the fuel burn rate provided by the BBC's Future Planet, the 747 has a fuel economy of 0.18 miles per gallon.
The 747's fuel capacity is approximately 48,400 gallons, which is enough to fly from New York to London. However, longer routes, such as Los Angeles to Sydney, require a larger fuel capacity. Some variants of the 747, such as the 747-8i Intercontinental, can carry up to 63,034 gallons of fuel. The fuel tanks are typically located in the aircraft's wings, but some 747s are configured to store additional fuel in the plane's horizontal stabilizer at the tail.
The high fuel consumption of the 747 has led to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as modern twin-engine aircraft like the Airbus A350, which consume 38 lbs of fuel per nautical mile. However, the 747's fuel efficiency can be improved during descent when the engines are at idle, and the jet is gliding. This is one of the primary duties of the FMS (Flight Management System), which determines the most efficient point to begin descent.
The Plastic Problem: Fossil Fuel Consumption
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Jet engines are designed to operate most economically at cruising altitude
The Boeing 747 is a large commercial jet that can carry up to 568 passengers. It consumes a lot of fuel, burning about one gallon of kerosene-based Jet A-1 fuel per second, or 3,500 to 3,800 gallons per hour at cruising speed. The exact fuel burn rate depends on the number of passengers, the make, and the model of the engines.
The 747 is not unique in its high fuel consumption. All jet engines are designed to operate most economically at cruising altitude. This is because jet engines are optimized for operation at high altitudes, where they spend most of their time. At lower altitudes, the engine would exceed temperature and pressure limits, so the revolutions per minute (RPM) must be reduced from the maximum to produce the same amount of thrust. As the altitude increases, the air density reduces, and to maintain thrust, the RPM must be increased. As RPM is increased, efficiency rises.
The ambient pressure at cruising altitude is about a fifth of the pressure at the surface, and the temperature is around -50°C. The jet engine takes in air through an intake at the front, and as the plane climbs, the air becomes less dense. Therefore, the plane needs to go faster so that the mass of air coming in through the intake remains the same. The air is then compressed, and the ram effect at higher altitudes helps with this compression.
The efficiency of jet engines at high altitudes is the primary reason for operating aircraft in this environment. By flying at high altitudes, pilots can operate at flight levels where fuel economy is best and with the most advantageous cruise speed.
Internet's Dirty Secret: Fossil Fuel Consumption
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747-400 variant has a higher engine efficiency and improved aerodynamics
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest and fastest commercial jets in the world. It is propelled by four turbofan engines, which burn 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed, or about one gallon per second. The exact fuel burn rate depends on passenger capacity and the type of engines installed.
The 747-400 variant is an advanced version of the original 747, featuring significant changes that improve efficiency and provide a longer range. The 747-400 has a two-crew glass cockpit, wingtip extensions, and a redesigned interior. The new variant also offers improved turbofan engines, which provide lower fuel consumption and greater thrust.
The 747-400's wings are fitted with 6-foot (1.8-metre) tall winglets, which reduce aerodynamic drag. The wings are also 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg) lighter due to the use of new aluminum alloys. The horizontal tail was redesigned to accommodate a larger fuel tank, increasing the range by 350-400 nautical miles (650-740 km).
The 747-400's engines are more efficient than those of the previous 747 versions. The new engines, such as the Pratt & Whitney PW4000, General Electric CF6-80C2, and Rolls-Royce RB211-524, offer lower fuel consumption and greater thrust. The 747-400 also features a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, which adjusts engine performance for improved efficiency compared to the Classic 747s.
Overall, the 747-400 variant offers higher engine efficiency and improved aerodynamics compared to previous versions of the 747. These improvements contribute to reduced fuel consumption and increased range, making it a more efficient and versatile aircraft.
Ethanol Efficiency: Fossil Fuel Gallon Ratio
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.79
The 747's fuel burn rate depends on passenger capacity and engine type
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest commercial jets in the world, with a capacity of 568 passengers. The 747's fuel burn rate depends on several factors, including passenger capacity and engine type.
The 747 relies on four turbofan engines for propulsion, burning 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed. However, the exact fuel burn rate can vary depending on the passenger capacity and the specific make and model of the engines installed. For example, the 747-8i Intercontinental has a higher fuel capacity than the standard 747, accommodating 63,034 gallons of fuel for longer routes.
The fuel efficiency of the 747 also depends on the phase of flight. During taxiing, take-off, and cruising, the fuel burn rate is higher. In contrast, during descent, when the engines are at idle and speeds are high, the 747 becomes a glider, maximizing fuel efficiency. Additionally, older 747s are less fuel-efficient than newer variants, with a 20% increase in per-passenger fuel efficiency in newer models.
The type of fuel used also plays a role in the burn rate. Kerosene-based fuels, such as Jet A-1, are commonly used in large planes due to their higher flash point compared to gasoline. However, this fuel type contributes to the 747's high fuel consumption, with an average burn rate of one gallon of fuel per second.
Overall, while the 747's fuel burn rate is high, it is essential to consider the number of passengers it carries. When calculating fuel efficiency per passenger, the 747 becomes more competitive, especially when compared to other modes of transport.
Wrong Fuel Drain: Understanding the Cost of a Simple Mistake
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel every second, totaling 18,000 gallons in a 5-hour flight
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest and fastest commercial jets in the world. With a cruising speed of 580 miles per hour, it covers a mile every 6.2 seconds. This impressive speed comes at a cost: the 747 burns through a staggering 1 gallon of fuel every second, or approximately 3,500 to 3,800 gallons per hour. This means that during a 5-hour flight, a 747 will burn an incredible 18,000 gallons of fuel.
The 747's fuel consumption is influenced by various factors, including passenger capacity, engine type, and flight path. Its massive fuel capacity of around 48,400 gallons enables it to undertake long-haul international routes, such as from New York to London. However, longer routes like Los Angeles to Sydney require even more fuel, with certain variants of the 747 carrying up to 63,034 gallons.
The 747's fuel efficiency, or miles per gallon, is approximately 0.18. This means that for every gallon of fuel, the plane travels 0.18 miles. While this figure may seem shocking, it's important to consider that the 747 carries hundreds of passengers, distributing the fuel expenditure across a large number of people. Additionally, climbing to a higher altitude and then gliding down is more fuel-efficient than maintaining a constant speed.
The 747's fuel burn rate is comparable to other large aircraft. The Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft, consumes slightly more fuel due to its higher capacity. During a 5-hour flight, the A380 burns approximately 23,000 gallons of jet fuel, translating to about 1.3 gallons per second. Modern twin-engine aircraft, like the Airbus A350, are significantly more fuel-efficient, consuming 38 pounds of fuel per nautical mile.
The high fuel consumption of the 747 and other aircraft has led to increased attention on sustainability and climate change. With jet fuel prices on the rise, airlines have been forced to raise ticket prices to offset the additional costs. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) still accounts for a very small percentage of jet fuel usage globally.
Fuel Treatment Overuse: Is Lucas Fuel Treatment Harmful?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A 747 burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel every second, or 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed. However, the exact fuel burn rate depends on the weight of the plane, the number of passengers, the make and model of the engines, and other factors.
Taxiing is when the plane moves on the ground from the gate to the runway before takeoff or from the runway to the gate after landing. A 747-200 or 747-300 burns about 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) of fuel during taxiing.
Descent is when the plane is coming down from cruise altitude to land. During descent, the engines are at idle and the plane is gliding, so it doesn't burn as much fuel as during other phases of flight. A 747-200 or 747-300 burns about 3,000 kg (6,000 lbs) of fuel during descent.
A 747 burns about 18,000 gallons of fuel during a 5-hour flight. During the first hour of cruise, it may burn about 13,000 kg (28,000 lbs) of fuel, and this decreases to under 10,000 kg (21,000 kg) per hour as the plane gets lighter.
![Bose A30 Bluetooth Aviation Headset - Lightweight Comfortable Design, Adjustable ANR and Noise Cancelling Microphone, [Dual Plug] – Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71F3iowq-qL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
