Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 747, also known as the Queen of the Skies, is a long-range wide-body airliner that was manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes between 1968 and 2023. With its high passenger capacity and long-range capabilities, the Boeing 747 is ideal for long routes and has been purchased by over 100 customers. The fuel tank capacity of the Boeing 747 varies depending on the model and configuration, with some models having additional fuel tanks in the tail. The debut version, the 747-100, launched in 1969, has a fuel capacity of 48,400 gallons of jet fuel. The next two versions, the 747-200 and 300, have a fuel capacity of 52,410 gallons, while the 747-400 has a capacity of 57,285 gallons. The 747-8, the final model of the 747, features a deeper and thicker wing design, allowing for greater fuel capacity. The passenger version of the 747-8 can hold up to 64,225 gallons of fuel, while the cargo version can hold up to 60,925 gallons. On average, the Boeing 747 can carry between 48,400 to 63,034 gallons of fuel, with an estimated cost of $140,000 to $170,000 to refuel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Four-engined jet aircraft |
| Engine Type | Pratt & Whitney JT9D turbofan engines, General Electric CF6, Rolls-Royce RB211 |
| Seating Capacity | 366 passengers in three classes, 3-4-3 configuration |
| Speed | Mach 0.85 (490 kn; 900 km/h) cruise speed |
| Wing Sweep | 37.5° |
| Landing Gear | Four main landing gear legs, each with a four-wheel bogie |
| Fuel Consumption | 1 gallon (4 litres) per second, 10-11 tonnes (3,500 gallons) per hour |
| Takeoff Fuel Usage | 5,000 gallons (19,000 litres) |
| Fuel Tank Location | Two main tanks in each wing, reserve tanks in outer wings, central wing tank |
| Fuel Capacity (747-100) | 48,400 gallons (183,214 litres) |
| Fuel Capacity (747-200 and 300) | 52,410 gallons (199,158 litres) |
| Fuel Capacity (747-400) | 57,285 gallons (216,840 litres) |
| Range (747-200) | 6,560 nautical miles (12,150 km) |
| Production Years | 1968-2023 |
| Total Aircraft Built | 1,574 |
| Total Flight Hours | 118 million |
| Total Flight Cycles | 23 million |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Boeing 747's fuel capacity varies by model
The Boeing 747, also known as the "Queen of the Skies", is a long-range wide-body airliner that was manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes between 1968 and 2023. It is one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world, with a large fuel capacity to match its long-range capabilities. However, the exact fuel capacity of the Boeing 747 varies depending on the model and configuration.
The debut version of the Boeing 747, the 747-100, launched in 1969 and could carry 48,400 gallons of jet fuel. This was followed by the 747-200 and 747-300 models, which offered a slightly increased fuel capacity of 52,410 gallons.
The 747-400 model, which became the most popular member of the 747 family, featured a 9% increase in fuel capacity compared to its predecessors, allowing it to hold up to 57,285 gallons of fuel. This model was also noted for its improved range, capacity, and fuel efficiency.
In response to requests from Japanese airlines for a high-capacity aircraft to serve domestic routes, Boeing developed the 747SR as a short-range version of the 747-100. The 747SR had a 20% reduction in fuel capacity, accommodating a greater number of seats and takeoffs and landings.
The latest iteration of the Boeing 747, the 747-8, features a deeper and thicker wing design, allowing for greater fuel capacity. The passenger version of the 747-8 can hold up to 64,225 gallons of fuel, while the cargo version can carry 60,925 gallons.
Overall, the fuel capacity of the Boeing 747 ranges from 48,400 to 64,225 gallons, depending on the specific model and configuration.
Cleaning a Miller Trailblazer Fuel Tank: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747SR has a 20% reduction in fuel capacity
The fuel capacity of a Boeing 747 varies across different models. The 747-8i Intercontinental, for instance, can carry 63,034 gallons of fuel, while the 747-8f freighter has a capacity of 59,734 gallons. The 747-400 model can hold up to 57,285 gallons, an increase of more than 9% over the previous 747-200 and 300 models, which had a capacity of 52,410 gallons.
The 747SR, a short-range version of the 747-100, features a 20% reduction in fuel capacity compared to the standard 747. This reduction is a result of the aircraft's design focus on increased payload capability and shorter routes, allowing for more frequent turnarounds. The 747SR's initial model, the 747-100SR, also included strengthened body structures and landing gear to accommodate the additional stress from a greater number of takeoffs and landings.
The majority of the fuel on a 747 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 in the middle. Certain models of the jumbo jet can also utilize the horizontal stabilizer as an auxiliary fuel tank, further increasing their total capacity.
The fuel capacity of the 747SR, while reduced, still allows for a significant amount of fuel, with the overall capacity depending on the specific variant and configuration. The 747SR's design and fuel capacity cater to the needs of high-capacity, short-range operations, showcasing Boeing's adaptability in meeting the demands of various airlines and routes.
Unlocking Your Honda Civic's Fuel Tank: Easy Steps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747-400 has a 9% increase in fuel capacity
The Boeing 747 is a long-range wide-body airliner that was manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the United States from 1968 to 2023. The 747 is the world's first wide-body jetliner and can carry roughly 63,000 gallons of fuel, weighing around 400,000 pounds.
The 747-400 is a later model of the Boeing 747, with a 9% increase in fuel capacity. This was achieved by stretching the wingspan by 17 feet (5.2 m) over the Classic 747 through wingtip extensions. The wings were also fitted with 6-foot-tall winglets to reduce aerodynamic drag, and despite the added length, the wings were 6,000 pounds lighter due to new aluminium alloys.
The 747-400 also featured a redesigned horizontal tail that could accommodate a 3,300-US-gallon fuel tank, resulting in a 350-nautical-mile range increase. This model also introduced a new auxiliary power unit (APU) manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada, which provided a 40% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous designs.
The 747-400's increased fuel capacity and efficiency contributed to its popularity as a freighter, carrying around half of the world's air freight. However, in the 2010s, the 747-400 began to be replaced by medium/large twinjets, which could achieve similar range and payload with better fuel economy.
Fuel Behind the Army Tanks: What Powers Them?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747 burns 3,600 gallons of fuel per hour
The Boeing 747 is a long-range wide-body airliner that was designed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes in the United States between 1968 and 2023. The 747 burns 3,600 gallons of fuel per hour. To put this into perspective, this equates to the aircraft burning an incredible 1 gallon or roughly 4 litres of fuel every single second.
The 747's fuel efficiency is truly remarkable when considering the number of passengers it can carry and its flying speed. For every mile, the 747 burns 5 gallons of fuel when transporting 500 passengers. This means that the plane gets 100 miles per gallon per person, an impressive feat considering the plane flies at 550 mph.
The fuel efficiency of the 747 is a result of its design. The aircraft was introduced with Pan Am in 1970, with the airline seeking a jet 2 and a half times the size of the 707 to reduce seat costs by 30%. The 747 was the first plane to be called a "Jumbo Jet" due to its size as the first wide-body airliner.
The 747's fuel capacity and range have been further developed since its initial launch. The -100B variant offers a higher maximum takeoff weight, allowing the aircraft to carry more fuel and have a longer range. The -200 model, introduced in 1971, features more powerful engines and a higher maximum takeoff weight, with passenger, freighter, and combination passenger-freighter versions available.
The 747's fuel efficiency and range capabilities have made it a competitive aircraft for airlines, with its long-range capability being a key selling point for many flag carriers.
Rubber Keyring: Fuel Tank's Friend or Foe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 747's fuel capacity is up to 63,000 gallons
The Boeing 747 is a long-range wide-body airliner that was manufactured in the United States between 1968 and 2023. It is one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world and has been dubbed the "Queen of the Skies". The 747's large fuel capacity and long range have allowed airlines to operate new direct long-haul routes worldwide.
The 747's fuel capacity varies across different models, with some models containing additional fuel tanks in the tail. 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, feature a fuel capacity of 52,410 gallons. The 747-400, which is the most popular variant, offers a 9% increase in fuel capacity, allowing for 57,285 gallons of fuel.
The 747-8, which was launched in 2005, features a deeper and thicker wing design, allowing for greater fuel capacity. The passenger version of the 747-8 holds 64,225 gallons of jet fuel, while the cargo version holds 60,925 gallons. Overall, the 747's fuel capacity ranges from 48,400 to 64,225 gallons, with an average capacity of up to 63,000 gallons.
The four engines of the 747 burn approximately one gallon 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 phase of flight, with the aircraft consuming up to 5,000 gallons of fuel during this process. Refuelling a 747 typically costs between $140,000 and $170,000, depending on various factors such as fuel market price, route, and aircraft model.
Positioning Fuel Sending Units: A Boat Tank Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank capacity of a Boeing 747 varies depending on the model. The debut version, the 747-100, could carry 48,400 gallons of fuel. The 747-200 and 300 models increased this capacity to 52,410 gallons. The 747-400, the most popular model, can carry 57,285 gallons of fuel, a 9% increase over its predecessors. On average, a Boeing 747 can carry between 48,400 and 63,034 gallons of fuel.
Refueling a Boeing 747 typically costs between $140,000 and $170,000, depending on factors such as fuel market price, route, model, fuel type, and taxes.
The Boeing 747 is not considered a fuel-efficient vehicle when compared to other aircraft. However, when analyzing the maximum load per flight (around 568 people), experts have argued that the 747 is fuel-efficient.
