Can a 747 carry the Space Shuttle?

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) are two extensively modified Boeing 747 airliners that NASA used to transport Space Shuttle orbiters. One (N905NA) is a 747–100 model, while the other (N911NA) is a short range 747-100SR.

How was a 747 able to carry a shuttle?

They had attachment points built into the 747 to handle the weight and movement of the shuttle. There are extra vertical fins on the tail to help stabilize it in flight. The weight of the shuttle is calculated like any payload. The 747 produces enough lift to fly and to carry the weight of the shuttle.

At what speed does a 747 lift off?

around 160 knots

How Fast Does a 747 Go To Take Off? A typical takeoff speed for a Boeing 747 is around 160 knots (184 mph), depending on the jet’s wing flap configuration, the number of passengers aboard, and the weight of their luggage, fuel load, current weather conditions, and other factors. How Fast Do Airplanes Fly When Landing?

Why 747 has a hump?

Boeing decided to raise the cockpit above the nose cone, and — in order to maximize the planes aerodynamic efficiency — the hump was born. Later versions of the 747 would extend the hump further back on the plane, creating more room for premium cabin seats in the upper deck.

Can a 747 take off on a conveyor belt?

Imagine a 747 is sitting on a conveyor belt, as wide and long as a runway. The conveyor belt is designed to exactly match the speed of the wheels, moving in the opposite direction. Can the plane take off? The practical answer is “yes”.

Can a 747 land on 5000 ft runway?

The chart notes that if a Boeing 747-400 had an operational landing weight of 475,000 lbs (215,456 kg) and wanted to land at a runway located at sea level, then the suggested runway length would be a little over 1,500 meters, or roughly 5,000 feet.

How fast does a 747 go when its landing?

about 145kts-150kts
A 747 ‘Jumbo Jet’ would typically land at a speed of about 145kts-150kts (166mph-172mph), depending on the landing flap setting selected.

Why do all Boeing’s start with 7?

So, to sum up, Why do Boeing models start with a 7? The engineering division dedicated the number 700 to jet-engined aircraft. Boeing’s marketing division realized that the name 700 for their first jet aircraft would sound boring, so they suggested the name to be the 707, which had quite a nice ring to it.

Can a 747 fly upside down?

The issue that mainly comes to mind with the Boeing 747 is that it would not be able to maintain a level flight if it went upside down. As soon as the Boeing 747 becomes inverted, the engines will ‘flame out’ due to the lack of fuel passing through the lines.

Can a 747 be flown upside down?

The scene, a Hollywood masterpiece of special effects, has people asking can an airliner fly upside down. The answer is yes for a “little” bit! Unlike military fighters, commercial planes do not have the engine power for sustained inverted flight and rely on lift from the wings.

How far can a fully loaded 747 fly?

A: This depends on the size of the plane, its efficiency, and how fast it’s flying. A modern Boeing 747 can fly about 15,000 km (9,500 miles) when it’s flying at 900 kmh (550 mph).

What is the hardest runway to land at?

Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal
For those who want to climb Mount Everest, the adventure begins at landing, as the Tenzing-Hillary Airport (also known as Lukla), in Nepal, is considered the most dangerous airport in the world.

How long can a 747 stay in flight?

On average, an aircraft is operable for about 30 years before it has to be retired. A Boeing 747 can endure about 35,000 pressurization cycles and flights—roughly 135,000 to 165,000 flight hours—before metal fatigue sets in.

Why is there no row B on planes?

RE: Why No B On Planes Seat Plan
Many airlines that fly planes smaller than 3+3 config skip a letter on the 2-seat side, for example if seating is 2+3 the seats will go A C D E F, because B is a middle seat that doesn’t exist.

Why does a 747 have 5 engines?

The airline patched a fifth engine onto the wing of the Boeing 747-400 jumbo jet. The engine was destined for another aircraft that became stranded after experiencing mechanical trouble. The massive 747 was actually designed to transport an extra engine.

Why do planes do not fly over the Pacific?

Most commercial airlines, that operate between East Asia and the Americas, do not fly over the Pacific Ocean because of cost and safety concerns, including turbulent weather, which can be dangerous to fly over.

Why do pilots land sideways?

Airplanes approach the runway sideways when a strong crosswind would otherwise blow it off course. By facing the aircraft into wind the pilot is able to maintain a straight line to the runway and then straighten up the aircraft just at touch down by using the rudder & ailerons to keep it straight.

Can a 747 cross the Atlantic?

British Airways’ Boeing 747s used to be a common sight on the lucrative route between London Heathrow and New York JFK. However, they were more than just an iconic way to cross the North Atlantic Ocean.

How much does it cost to fill a 747 with fuel?

A 747 can seat 380 to 560 people, depending on how an airline sets it up. A full one is a moneymaker. But an airline that can’t fill all the seats has to spread the cost of 63,000 gallons of jet fuel — roughly $200,000 — among fewer passengers.

How many gallons does a 747 use to take off?

How Much Fuel Does a Boeing 747 Use During Takeoff? A typical Boeing 747 passenger jet burns approximately 5,000 gallons (about 19,000 liters) of fuel during takeoff and as it climbs to cruising altitude. What is this? This means that a 747 burns through 10% of its total fuel capacity during takeoff alone.

Which airport has the most accidents?

The world’s most dangerous airports

  • 1/5. ​Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal.
  • 2/5. ​Princess Juliana International Airport, St.
  • 3/5. ​Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, Portugal.
  • 4/5. ​Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington DC.
  • 5/5. Paro Airport, Bhutan.

Which plane is hardest flying?

The hardest planes to fly include personal aircraft such as the wildly popular Cessna 150/152, Cessna 162, and the Luscombe Silvaire. The hardest commercial aircraft to fly is the BAC Concorde. And the hardest plane to fly in the world is the US military-used U-2 Spy Plane.

How Far Can Boeing 747 fly with full tank fuel?

9,500 miles
How far can an airplane go on a full tank of fuel without stopping while travelling at a constant 15,000 feet above sea level? A: This depends on the size of the plane, its efficiency, and how fast it’s flying. A modern Boeing 747 can fly about 15,000 km (9,500 miles) when it’s flying at 900 kmh (550 mph).

How Long Can pilots fly nonstop?

§ 91.1059 Flight time limitations and rest requirements: One or two pilot crews.

Normal duty
(1) Minimum Rest Immediately Before Duty 10 Hours
(2) Duty Period Up to 14 Hours
(3) Flight Time For 1 Pilot Up to 8 Hours
(4) Flight Time For 2 Pilots Up to 10 Hours

Why don’t planes go straight across the Atlantic?

Answer: It is shorter to fly the Great Circle route than a straight line due to the circumference of the earth being so much greater at the equator than near the poles. Q: Captain, I often follow trans-Atlantic flights between Europe and the USA.