Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body, four-engine jet aircraft that is known for its high fuel capacity and range. The exact fuel capacity varies across different models of the 747, with some models having additional fuel tanks in the tail. The Boeing 747-400, for example, can hold up to 57,285 gallons of fuel, while the 747-8 Intercontinental Jet can carry approximately 63,500 gallons. This large fuel capacity enables the 747 to travel long distances, with a range of over 14,000 kilometers before needing to refuel. The high fuel capacity also accommodates the aircraft's high fuel consumption, as it burns around 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour when cruising, and the fuel-intensive takeoff phase requires up to 5,000 gallons of fuel.
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What You'll Learn
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Jet fuel capacity
The Boeing 747 has gone through various iterations over the years, with the most recent being the 747-8. The 747-8 family includes the 747-8 Intercontinental (or 747-8I) in passenger and VIP variants, as well as the 747-8 freighter aircraft. The 747-8 Intercontinental is the focus of this discussion regarding fuel capacity.
The 747-8 Intercontinental is a stretched aircraft that was initially called the 747 Advanced but was officially launched as the 747-8 on November 14, 2005. Its maiden flight took place on March 20, 2011, from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. This aircraft is based on the 787 Dreamliner, incorporating its engines, interior configuration, flight deck technologies, instrumentation, and wing configuration.
The 747-8 Intercontinental has a maximum fuel capacity of 64,225 gallons (243,120 litres) of jet fuel. This is an increase compared to previous models like the 747-400, thanks to the redesigned wing, which allowed for greater fuel capacity without needing additional fuel tanks in the horizontal tail.
The four engines of the 747 burn approximately 1 gallon (4 litres) of fuel per second when cruising at altitude, translating to about 10 to 11 tonnes (3,500 gallons) of fuel burned per hour. Takeoff is the most fuel-intensive aspect of a flight, with the aircraft consuming up to 5,000 gallons (19,000 litres) during this process.
While the 747-8 Intercontinental has impressive fuel capacity, it's important to note that its fuel efficiency is a more complex consideration. The aircraft's fuel efficiency is influenced by various factors, including passenger payload, range, and technological advancements.
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Fuel efficiency improvements
A Boeing 747 can carry approximately 63,000 gallons of fuel, weighing around 400,000 lbs, which is nearly as much as the empty plane itself. The exact capacity varies between models, with some models carrying 57,285 gallons, and others carrying 60,925 gallons.
Over the years, there have been several fuel efficiency improvements in aircraft, including the Boeing 747. Here are some key improvements:
Aerodynamic Improvements
Enhancements in aerodynamics play a crucial role in increasing fuel efficiency. This can be achieved through better aircraft shapes and the use of wingtip devices or raked wingtips. Wingtip devices, such as winglets or blended-winglets, increase the effective wing aspect ratio, reducing lift-induced drag and improving the lift-to-drag ratio. Raked wingtips, as seen on the 747-8, help reduce wingtip vortices, decrease wake turbulence and drag, and improve fuel efficiency.
Weight Reduction
Reducing the weight of the aircraft is another way to improve fuel efficiency. This can be achieved through the use of lighter composite materials for airframes, as seen in newer aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Additionally, the introduction of fly-by-wire technology in the 747-8's lateral controls contributed to weight savings and improved efficiency.
Engine Efficiency
Improvements in engine efficiency have significantly contributed to the overall fuel efficiency of aircraft. More fuel-efficient engines, such as the smaller version of the General Electric GEnx turbofan engine used in the 747-8, can reduce fuel consumption. The use of improved engine brake-specific fuel consumption and propulsive efficiency, or thrust-specific fuel consumption, also plays a role in enhancing fuel efficiency.
Optimum Airspeed and Altitude
Maximizing endurance and range can be achieved by flying at the optimum airspeed and altitude. Higher altitudes typically provide better fuel economy, and maintaining the optimum airspeed can reduce fuel burn.
Operational Procedures
Fuel efficiency can also be improved through operational procedures such as maintenance and routing. Efficient maintenance practices can help keep the aircraft in optimal condition, reducing fuel burn. Additionally, optimizing flight routes and aircraft loading using advanced computer systems can further enhance fuel efficiency.
Fuel Tank Design
The design of fuel tanks can also impact fuel efficiency. For example, the 747-8's redesigned wing allowed for greater fuel capacity without the need for costly new tanks in the horizontal tail, improving efficiency and avoiding additional costs.
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Fuel burn rate
The fuel burn rate of an aircraft is dependent on several factors, including the number of engines, the aircraft's speed, and the stage of flight. The Boeing 747 is a large, four-engine aircraft with a maximum speed of 585 mph (940 km/h) and a cruising speed of 567 mph (910 km/h). At cruising speed, the 747 burns approximately 10 to 11 tonnes (3,500 gallons or 13,250 litres) of fuel per hour, which equates to roughly 1 gallon (or 4 litres) per second.
Takeoff is the most fuel-intensive part of a flight for the 747, consuming up to 5,000 gallons (19,000 litres) of fuel. The aircraft can carry a substantial amount of fuel, with different models of the 747 having varying fuel capacities. The 747-400, for instance, can hold 57,285 gallons (216,840 litres), while the 747-8i Intercontinental has a capacity of 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres).
When considering fuel efficiency, it's important to factor in the number of passengers the aircraft can carry. On a 747 with 500 passengers, the fuel burn rate translates to 100 miles per gallon per passenger. This is significantly more efficient than a typical car, which gets about 25 miles per gallon. For example, a car with two passengers travelling from New York to Los Angeles (a distance of 2,797 miles) would consume 112 gallons of fuel, resulting in a per-person fuel consumption of 56 gallons.
The 747's fuel efficiency also compares favourably to other aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, which burns an average of 4,600 gallons (11,400 litres) of fuel per hour.
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Fuel tanks in the tail
The Boeing 747 is a large, long-range aircraft with varying fuel capacities depending on the model. The 747's fuel capacity typically ranges from 57,285 gallons (216,840 litres) to 63,034 gallons (238,610 litres).
The majority of the fuel is stored in the aircraft's wings, which helps maintain balance as the fuel symmetrically funnels into the engines. This design also increases the storage capacity in the fuselage for cargo. Typically, a 747 has 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, such as the 747-8 Intercontinental, the passenger version of Boeing's biggest jumbo jet, also have fuel tanks in the horizontal stabilizers or the tail of the aircraft. These tail fuel tanks can hold approximately 3,300 gallons of fuel.
However, a problem discovered during testing has prevented the use of these tail fuel tanks in the 747-8 Intercontinental, at least initially. The issue relates to a ""flutter problem" caused by the weight of the fuel in the tail, affecting the aircraft's range and efficiency. As a result, the freighter version of the 747-8 does not utilize the tail tanks, prioritizing greater hauling capacity over extended range.
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Fuel economy
The fuel economy of an aircraft is dependent on several factors, including the model, the number of engines, the number of passengers, and the speed and distance of the flight. The Boeing 747, with its four engines, is a fuel-intensive aircraft, with a fuel capacity ranging from 57,285 gallons to 63,500 gallons, depending on the variant.
The Boeing 747-400, for example, has a fuel capacity of 57,285 gallons, while the 747-8 Intercontinental Jet can carry approximately 63,500 gallons of jet fuel. This range allows the 747-8 to travel up to 14,430 kilometers before refuelling. The majority of the fuel is stored in the aircraft's wings, with two main fuel tanks in each wing, reserve fuel tanks in the outer wing sections, and a central wing tank.
The fuel efficiency of the 747 is important to consider. While cruising, the aircraft burns approximately 3,500 to 3,800 gallons of fuel per hour, which equates to around 0.18 to 0.19 miles per gallon. However, when considering the number of passengers, the mpg per passenger improves significantly. For example, with 500 passengers on board, the mpg per passenger increases to 100.
Comparatively, modern two-engine aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are more fuel-efficient due to advancements in technology. The Airbus A350 burns 2,700 gallons per hour, resulting in a higher mpg of 0.208. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is also known for its environmental advancements.
It is worth noting that takeoff is the most fuel-intensive part of a flight for the 747, consuming up to 5,000 gallons of fuel. The weight of the aircraft and the need to reach cruising altitude contribute to this high fuel burn. Despite the fuel economy considerations, the 747 remains a popular aircraft in the cargo market due to its large capacity and range.
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Frequently asked questions
The exact capacity varies between models, but the Boeing 747 can carry approximately 63,000 gallons of fuel. This is equivalent to around 400,000 pounds, which is nearly as much as the empty plane itself.
The Boeing 747-400 has a fuel capacity of 57,285 gallons, which is over 9% more than previous models.
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Jet can carry approximately 63,500 gallons of jet fuel, allowing it to travel 14,430 kilometers before needing to refuel.
