With all the recent news of the Boeing Dreamliner, you’d be forgiven if you failed to notice another new Boeing jetliner taking shape. The new 747-8 Intercontinental is the latest version of one of the most popular planes in the world.
The 747-8 takes the basic concept of the 747 we all know, and borrows technology from the Dreamliner. In the redesign, the new 747 will carry 51 more passengers and 26% more cargo, flying on more efficient engines. A total of 142 747-8’s have already been ordered, and the first ones should take to the skies in late 2011.
When you hear that the very first 747 flew for the first time back in January 1970, you’ll realize what an important role the Jumbo has played in shaping the aviation world. Even though almost every aspect of the technology inside this plane has changed in those 40 years, the basic outline has remained the same, and everyone can recognize a 747 when they spot one.
So, watch this video, and see how the Boeing engineers take pieces of plane, and slot them together like a kids toy.