The new Boeing 747-8 flew for the first time this afternoon over Everett, Washington. This inaugural flight comes one day shy of the anniversary of the original 747's first flight way back in 1969. The iconic hump over the forward fuselage is still present, but the body has been extended and the plane has been outfitted with a brand new wing design. Engines, the flight deck, interiors and other systems have been patterned after new technology developed for the 787. Today's flight featured the freighter version of the plane. The passenger model with an enlarged upper deck will be ready next year. -- Original update published on February 8, 2010
I, for one, am always pleased to see a new Boeing machine take to the air. The passenger version very well may give the A-380 a run for its money, as the passenger capacity is almost equivalent between the two models. And the 747-8 doesn't require airports to redesign taxiways or gates to accommodate it. And I also love the fact that the chase plane is a T-33, which having been based off the P-80 makes it a 65 year old design.
Some more great pictures were released today. T-33s show up around here when P-8 Poseidons depart. It's cool they get an escort.
My Dad flew the 747 for quite a few years before switching to the 777. He enjoyed both, but definitely prefers the 777.
