Why does 747 fly so fast?
Why does 747 fly so fast? Its wings have a high sweep angle of 37.5° for a fast, efficient cruise speed of Mach 0.84 to 0.88, depending on the variant. The sweep also reduces the wingspan, allowing the 747 to use existing hangars.
What makes the 747 so special?
At its launch, the jumbo was cutting-edge. It carried more than twice as many passengers as Boeing's next largest plane and was more fuel-efficient, reducing the cost per seat and opening up the world to jet travel. Pictures of the space shuttle piggybacking on the back of Nasa's 747s only added to its glory.
Why do US airlines not use the 747?
Former United CEO Oscar Munoz shared precisely why his company decided to retire the jet. He explained that it had started to become a struggle to maintain. Ultimately, the age of the type has reduced its efficiency across the board.
How much does a 747 cost?
Hundreds of millions brand new? According to Boeing's current list prices, a brand new 747-8 would be worth $418.4 million, while its freighter sister is listed slightly higher at $419.2 million.
Why is the 747 no longer popular?
Built in 1967 to produce the mammoth jet, it remains the world's largest manufacturing plant according to Boeing. But after five decades, customer demand for the 747 eroded as Boeing and Airbus (AIR.PA) developed more fuel efficient two-engine widebody planes.
Has a 747 ever broken the sound barrier?
Aircraft are put through extreme testing during their certification, but such limits are never intended to be actually faced. The 747 -100, for instance, was tested up to Mach 0.99, almost breaking the sound barrier. Other 747s, such as Air Force One, have approached the sound barrier but never crossed it.
Can a 747 fly faster than the speed of sound?
The 747-100, for instance, was tested up to Mach 0.99, almost breaking the sound barrier. Other 747s, such as Air Force One, have approached the sound barrier but never crossed it.
How fast does a 747 go down the runway?
What speed does a Boeing 747 land at? A 747 'Jumbo Jet' would typically land at a speed of about 145kts-150kts (166mph-172mph), depending on the landing flap setting selected.
What is the fastest plane in the world?
The North American X-15 may be the fastest plane in the world, with speeds at 4,520 mph and Mach 5.93. It's an experimental aircraft used and powered by NASA and USAF.
What is the fastest plane a civilian can fly?
Speed is often measured in kilometers per hour, but also in Mach, which corresponds to the speed of sound. For reference, Mach 1 is approximately 1,230 km/h. The Blackbird, an American military aircraft, holds the title of the fastest aircraft in the world with a top speed of Mach 3.32, or 3,540 km/h.
What is the fastest a 747 has ever flown?
Aided by a more powerful jet stream than usual, this rapid journey saw the 747 reach a top speed of 825 mph. Photo: Markus Mainka I Shutterstock. Popular Mechanics reports that the reason for it being so powerful on this occasion was a 'bomb cyclone' near Greenland.
What does 747 stand for?
What does 747 mean? The most well known aircraft in the 7×7 series is the Boeing 747, which also goes by the nickname “jumbo jet.” The 747 made aviation history. It was designed in the 1960s as a response to an increase in air traffic. It was the largest civilian airplane in the world.
Why do planes speed up before landing?
As the plane descends into ground effect, it may actually accelerate if the engines are producing enough thrust, since in ground effect the plane requires much less power to keep flying. Power from the engines will translate into speed, if not height.