Boeing 747-8 jetliner ready for flight test

by Stevie Smith - Feb 8 2010, 05:29

Aircraft manufacturing titan Boeing has said its new 747-8 jumbo airliner is ready to take to the skies and stretch its newly designed wings after successfully completing a series of ground-based taxi tests this past Saturday.

“The airplane performed well,” commented Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program regarding the taxi tests, which saw the plane running to speeds of up to 103.5 mph (approximately 167 kph). “Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly.”

With both engine and taxi tests now officially rubberstamped, Boeing has indicated that the wheels of its new 747-8 will lift clear of the tarmac for the very first time on Monday, February 08.

While looking very much like existing 747 jetliners, the new 747-8 sports a new wing design and differs from the preceding 747-400 insofar as it is some 18.3 feet longer, granting it 26 percent more cargo space and allowing for the carriage of 467 passengers – an increase of 51 seats.

Benefiting from technological advancements, the 747-8 also boasts 15 percent more fuel efficiency and will be able to cover a flight distance of around 9,200 miles (approximately 14,815 km), while its pilots will enjoy an upgraded flight deck.

Boeing has already received 110 customer orders for the new 747-8, with 78 of those attributed to the cargo-specific 747-8 Freighter and the remaining 32 to the passenger-based 747-8 Intercontinental.

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