BOEING has rolled out the first of three modified 747s specially
designed to haul large assemblies for the 787 Dreamliner to Everett.
If all goes according to plan, the first two freighters will enter
service next year. The rear fuselage swings open, allowing more cargo
space than any other aircraft, according to Boeing. It can hold three
times the volume handled by the existing 747-400 freighter, thanks to
a cargo deck that bulges up behind the cockpit. The whole thing looks
like nothing on earth, a sort pregnant Jumbo and is much larger than
the Airbus Beluga. What the new aircraft needs is an even better
quality name. Any submissions from readers will be passed on to
Boeing.
http://www.boeing.com