Will Be Used To Transport 787 Sections

Boeing representatives told Aero-News Monday that modifications continue on the three 747-400s that will transport major components of the Boeing Dreamliner. The distinctive look of the aircraft crystallized late last month with the installation of the "brow," the section just behind the cockpit.

The brow -- joined to the other enlarged upper fuselage sections -- is what makes the freighters ideal for shipping the large composite sections and wings of the Dreamliner. The volume of the Large Cargo Freighter's main deck will be 65,000 cubic feet (1,845m3), three times the cargo by volume as the 747-400 freighter.

Two of the three airplanes that will be converted are undergoing modification at Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. in Taiwan. The third will follow later.

The LCF will make its first flight this summer, and Boeing expects it to be certified by the end of the year.

The first two Large Cargo Freighters are slated to begin supporting 787 final assembly in 2007, carrying completed subassemblies from overseas contractors to Everett, WA for final assembly.

FMI: www.boeing.com