747-8F begins taxi tests

[TangoWhiskey]

The newest 747 model began taxi tests today. Check out the cowlings! Some engineer has a wife who does scrap booking; must have been a "bring your pinking shears to work" day at Boeing.

Pictures here

 

[AdamZ]

How is this 747 different?

 

[tonycondon]

it has the same engines as the 787. or at least very similar.

 

[TangoWhiskey]

What Tony said. It also is 13.8 feet longer in the fuselage, more efficient wings. Read that as "carry more cargo on less fuel".

The 747-8 Freighter will be longer than the 747-400F by 5.6 m (18.3 ft) and have a maximum structural payload capability of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons) with a range of 8,130 km (4,390 nmi). Also powered by 787-technology engines, it will achieve the same environmental benefits as the 747-8 Intercontinental. The 747-8 Freighter will have nearly equivalent trip costs and 16 percent lower ton-mile costs than the 747-400, plus 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than its predecessor. The additional 120 cu m (4,245 cu ft) of volume means the airplane can accommodate four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. Operating economics of the 747-8 Freighter will be significantly superior to the A380F. The 747-8F's empty weight is 80 tonnes (88 tons) lighter than the A380F, resulting in a 24 percent lower fuel burn per ton, 21 percent lower trip costs and 23 percent lower ton-mile costs than the A380F.

Source: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_facts.html