Largest Cargo Capacity By Volume Of Any Airplane

The fourth Boeing Dreamlifter (registry N718BA) – the final airplane in a fleet of specially modified 747-400s – entered service today. Dreamlifters transport the large composite structures of the 787 Dreamliner from partners around the world to Everett, WA for final assembly.

The unique airplane, which was modified by Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corp. in Taipei, Taiwan, took off from Paine Field in Everett early Tuesday morning. Bound for Wichita, KS, the Dreamlifter is returning the equipment used to transport the forward fuselage section known as section 41.

Boeing says the Dreamlifter is a modified 747-400 passenger airplane that can haul more cargo by volume than any airplane in the world. As the primary means of transporting major assemblies of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Dreamlifter reduces delivery times to as little as one day from as many as 30 days prior to its deployment.

Modifications began for the Dreamlifter in 2005, and it first flew in 2006. The airplane was flight tested, certified, and began service in 2007. Three years later, the fleet of four is complete.

The Dreamlifter can cruise at Mach 0.82, has a cargo capacity of 65,000 cubic feet, and has a maximum takeoff weight of 803,000 pounds. It has been modified with a hinge on the aft section of the fuselage, giving the airplane a swing tail cargo door.

FMI: www.boeing.com