Is The 777X Bigger Than The 747
The Boeing 777X promises a lot for both airlines and passengers. The largest engines to enter
commercial service, the highest capacity of a twinjet ever, and improved efficiency over the
777. The larger Dash 9 takes over from the Boeing 747, offering almost the same capacity,
with a longer fuselage and a wider wingspan. Let's look at the dimensions of the two aircraft
and how they stack up with each other. The Boeing 777 has been the best-selling
widebody aircraft to date. Launched in 1994, it has moved through several variants since,
with the 777X continuing this story. The new generation offers many improvements but
keeps the same base design and metal fuselage construction as the 777. The internal fuselage
space is increased slightly, though, by using thinner walls and more efficient insulation.
To see how the 777X offers an alternative to the 747, we only need to look at the passenger
capacities. There will be two passenger versions of the 777X, the larger Dash 9 and the smaller
Dash 8. The Dash 9, the first to launch, offers a capacity around 426 in a two-class configuration.
Meanwhile, the smaller Dash 8 will seat around 384, closely competing with the A350-1000.
The 777-9 sits well alongside the 747. The newest and largest 747-8i has a typical capacity of 410
across three classes but has a rated maximum of 563. Lufthansa operates the 747-8 in a four-class
configuration with 364 seats, while Korean Air and Air China seat slightly more. We'll have to
wait and see exactly what layout airlines have for the 777-9, but it should be close to the 747-8.
In terms of dimensions, the 777-9 has a total length of 251 feet 9 inches, or 76.72 meters.
The 747-8 is just a bit shorter, at 250 feet 2 inches, or 76.3 meters.
This makes the 777-9 the longest commercial aircraft ever built. While the A380 retains
the title for the largest in terms of passenger capacity, volume, and weight, it is actually a
full four meters shorter than the 777-9, measuring 238 feet 7 inches, or 72.72 meters.
Of course, length isn't everything. The 777-X does well in other categories too,
with its wingspan undoubtedly one of the more interesting dimensions.
The 747-8 has a total wingspan of 224 feet 5 inches, or 68.4 meters.
The A380 took this even further with its huge 261 feet 8 inches, or 79.75 meters wingspan.
This has given it significant limitations in operations though. By placing the aircraft in
the highest rating category, it can only operate at specific airports with gates that have
sufficient spacing to fit the superjumbo. The 777-X will get around this category
limitation with folding wingtips. When extended, the wingspan is 235 feet 5 inches, or 71.75
meters. On the ground, the wingtips fold to reduce this to 212 feet 8 inches, or 64.82
meters. This gives the aircraft the efficient operation it needs in the air, but allows it
access to more airports around the world. As anyone following the 777-X development
and launch knows, the engines are another standout feature. These have a larger diameter
fan with fewer blades – 16 instead of 22 – and use lighter carbon-fibre composite materials,
while having a higher bypass ratio for better propulsion efficiency.
Together with the increased lift from the extended wings,
this will deliver significant efficiency improvements. However it compares, the 777-9
is set to be a suitable replacement for retiring 747s for many airlines.
It may fall a little short of the 747's maximum capacity potential,
and certainly is lower capacity than the A380, but it'll serve long-range,
high-capacity operations of airlines quite well. With the jet's eventual entry into service,
are you looking forward to getting on board the longest twinjet ever? Or do you prefer
the spaciousness of two decks? Let us know what your preferences are by leaving a comment.
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