How long might Boeing support the 747-8? I don't mean new orders, but producing all the parts, electronics, and databases needed to keep the fleet in the air.
And is there any chance that the 747-400 (which has a huge supply of parts in the desert waiting to be harvested, as well as current Boeing support) will last longer than the 747-8?
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
-
- 747classic
- Posts: 5018
- Joined:
Re: 747 Long Term Support (Parts)
All older 747 series (except the 747SR and 744D aircraft) have been structural limited by hours (747 classic - 135.000 hrs , 744 - 165.000 hrs.)
A few high time 747 classic's reached 135.000 hrs in 35 years. The high time 744 is now at 138.000 hrs.in 28 years
The anticipated limit of validity of the 747-8 series is 165.000 hrs or 35.000 cycles
Average usage with first tier operators : 4000 hrs/year
Max structural operation, supported by Boeing will be approx 40 years (165K devided by 4K), but economically approx 35 years. The count starts with the last produced/sold 747-8.
However, certain electronic LRU's will have to be updated earlier, because of obsolete electronics. (IC's not available anymore)
A few high time 747 classic's reached 135.000 hrs in 35 years. The high time 744 is now at 138.000 hrs.in 28 years
The anticipated limit of validity of the 747-8 series is 165.000 hrs or 35.000 cycles
Average usage with first tier operators : 4000 hrs/year
Max structural operation, supported by Boeing will be approx 40 years (165K devided by 4K), but economically approx 35 years. The count starts with the last produced/sold 747-8.
However, certain electronic LRU's will have to be updated earlier, because of obsolete electronics. (IC's not available anymore)
Re: 747 Long Term Support (Parts)
Do those cycles only apply to passenger aircraft? What about the tankers or cargo?
-
- 747classic
- Posts: 5018
- Joined:
Re: 747 Long Term Support (Parts)
35.000 cycles is the limit for all 747 aircraft. The limiting factor of the 747 is the pear shaped fwd fuselage. (fatigue caused by pressurization cycles).