Boeing 747: Understanding its Empty and Loaded Weight
The Boeing 747 is one of the most iconic aircraft models, known for its large size and commercial use. The weight of a Boeing 747 varies significantly whether it is empty or fully loaded. Understanding these specifications is crucial for its safe operation and maintenance.
Empty Weight of a 747
The weight of an empty Boeing 747, without any passengers, freight, or fuel, is substantial. For the different models of the Boeing 747, the empty weight (Operating Empty Weight, OEW) ranges as follows:
Aircraft Model OEW (lbs) OEW (Kgs) 747-100 371,800 168,655 747 SP (Special Performance) 325,000 147,570 747-200 383,700 173,950 747-400 408,000 184,910The 747-8F (Freighter) model has a slightly heavier empty weight at approximately 443,613 lbs or 200,974 Kgs, while the 747-400ER (Extended Range) has a weight of about 412,770 lbs or 187,248 Kgs. These figures can vary slightly depending on the specific aircraft.
Max Takeoff Weight
When fully loaded, the 747 can significantly increase in weight. The maximum takeoff weight (TOW) for the different models is as follows:
Aircraft Model TOW (lbs) TOW (Kgs) 747-100 750,000 340,195 747 SP (Special Performance) 702,000 318,059 747-200 833,000 377,283 747-400 870,000 394,752The 747-8F can take off at a maximum weight of approximately 970,000 lbs or 439,968 Kgs, while the 747-400ER can reach a TOW of about 987,000 lbs or 447,700 Kgs.
Conclusion
The weight of a Boeing 747 plays a critical role in its operation. It is important to note that the OEW includes fuel that is not available to the engines, as mentioned in the specifications table. The heavy variations in weight between the empty and fully loaded state highlight the need for precise maintenance and flight planning.
For comprehensive information on the Boeing 747, you can refer to the official Boeing 747 page on Wikipedia. This page provides detailed specifications and additional details about the various models.