Boeing Announces First Engineering Releases For New 747-8 Family

Everett, WA - The Boeing Co. has released the first engineering drawings for its new 747-8 airplane, launched in November 2005 by Cargolux Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines.

The two drawings released were for the body landing gear and the underwing engine fittings.

"It is really exciting to see the new 747-8 Intercontinental and Freighter family of airplanes become a reality with these first drawing releases," said Corky Townsend, chief project engineer, 747-8 Program.

"The design of the airplane continues on schedule to allow us to deliver the first 747-8 in late 2009," Townsend added. "We believe the new 747 is the right size for the large airplane market and the shape of the future."

The first drawing defines the body landing gear outer cylinder sufficiently to allow the supplier, Goodrich Corp. at a site in Cleveland, to begin developing the forging block that will be used to make the part.

The 747-8 will require two of the cylinders, one on each side of the airplane. Similar work will follow on the outer cylinder for the wing landing gear. The 747-8 will have a nose landing gear and four main landing gear - two body landing gear and two wing landing gear.

SOURCE: The Boeing Co.