Boeing's Largest 747 Plane Takes First Test Flight
Businessweekreports that Boeing's largest ever 747, the 747-8, took its very first test flight today.
"People are really excited about this," Brian Johnson, deputy test program manager for the 747-8, said before the jet's flight today. "It's been a long haul to get these two planes up in the air."
The 747-8 jumbo jet has Boeing's longest commercial wing, supporting a stretched fuselage that will have 16 percent more room in the freighter model, which is the variant that flew today and will be the first delivered. The passenger version can accommodate 51 extra seats and 26 percent more cargo volume.
The AP says the jumbojet measures 250 feet long, which is 18 feet longer than current jumbo 747s. Take a look:
You can learn more about the new airplane here on Boeing's newairplane.com website.
