Aircraft Specification Data History: July 2010

Boeing 727-100 Specification Data and History

History
The 727 short to medium range trijet is the world's second most successful jet airliner built.

Initial design studies began in 1956, although for a time it appeared that a new short/medium range airliner would not be built at all due to Boeing's financial position before sales of the 707 had taken off. Boeing persisted however and serious development of the 727 beginning in June 1959. The program was launched on the strength of orders for 80 from Eastern and United in 1960.

The resulting Boeing Model 727 pioneered the rear trijet configuration, with power from three specially designed Pratt & Whitney JT8D turbofans (although RollsRoyce Speys were originally considered). The trijet design was settled upon as it gave the redundancy of three engines, better climb performance than a twin and improved operating economics over a four engine jet. The 727 also introduced an advanced wing design with the first airliner application of triple slotted Krueger flaps. The 727 retained the 707's fuselage cross section, but with a redesigned smaller lower fuselage due to the need to carry less baggage on shorter range flights, and it has limited parts commonality with the 707 and 720. The 727 was also the first Boeing airliner to feature an APU (auxiliary power unit).

The prototype 727 first flew on February 9 1963, with certification granted in December that year. The first 727 entered service with Eastern Airlines on February 9 the following year.

Development of the initial 727-100 resulted in a small family of sub variants, including higher gross weight options for the basic passenger carrying 727, the 727-100C Convertible and 727-200QC Quick Change, both with a large freight door on the forward left hand side of the fuselage. Many were subsequently converted to pure freighters. The stretched 727-200 is described separately.

Production of the 727-100 ceased in 1973 but one recent notable development was Dee Howard in the USA upgrading a number of 727-100 freighters for express freight operator UPS. The major feature of the upgrade was reengining with RollsRoyce Tays, which improves performance, reduces fuel consumption and more importantly, allows the aircraft to meet Stage 3 noise requirements.

Production

Of the 582 727-100s built, almost 400 remained in commercial service in late 1998, with 40 more used as corporate jets.

Capacity

Flightcrew of three (two pilots and flight engineer). Typical two class seating for 94, max seating for 131.

Dimensions

727-100 - Wing span 32.92m (108ft 0in), length 40.59m (133ft 2in), height 10.36m (34ft 0in). Wing area 157.9m2 (1700sq ft).

Weights

727-100 - Empty equipped 36,560kg (80,602lb), max takeoff 72,570kg (160,000lb).

Performance

Max speed 1017km/h (549kt), max cruising speed 960km/h (518kt), economical cruising speed 917km/h (495kt). Range with max payload 5000km (2700nm).

Power Plants

727-100 - Three 62.3kN (14,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 turbofans.

Boeing 720 Specification Data and History

History
The 720 is a smaller capacity, lighter, medium range variant of the 707, given its own model number to indicate significant engineering changes.

Introduced in 1959, the 720 (originally designated 707-020) retained the same basic structure as the 707-120, but was 2.54m (8ft 4in) shorter, which reduced seating to 112 (38 + 74) in a typical two class arrangement. Other changes were made to the wing which introduced full span leading edge flaps, while a glove between the inner engines and the fuselage increased wing sweep and wing area and decreased the wing's thickness/chord ratio. The changes to the wing made it more aerodynamically efficient, permitting higher cruising speeds and lowered minimum speeds (which aided field performance).

Like the early 707s the first 720s had JT3C turbojets, although less powerful models lacking water injection because of the 720's lighter weight. Compared with the 707-120 the 720 also had reduced fuel capacity and a lower max takeoff weight. But many components were interchangeable between the 720 and 707, while inside the cabin the 720 and 707 shared the same passenger interior and flightdeck.

The initial 720 (bound for launch customer United) first flew on November 23 1959. Certification was awarded on June 30 1960, and entry into service with United Airlines was on July 5 that year.

The availability of the far more fuel efficient Pratt & Whitney JT3D turbofan resulted in the 720B, which was powered by either JT3D1s or 3s. First flight of the 720B was on October 6 1960, with certification awarded on March 3 1961. The 720B also featured a higher maximum zero fuel weight (significantly boosting payload/range) and an increased max takeoff weight due to the heavier turbofan engines.

Major 720 operators included American Airlines (a number of its 720s were converted to 720Bs with turbofan engines), United, Continental, Eastern, Northwest Orient and Western, while operators outside the US included Lufthansa and Avianca.

Today (early 2002) three 720s are believed to be in use as corporate transports, and two are used by Pratt & Whitney as engine testbeds.

Production

Between 1959 and 1969 Boeing built 65 720s and 89 720Bs (many 720s were converted to 720Bs). One in commercial service in Africa, three others used as corporate transports.

Capacity

Flightcrew of three comprising two pilots and a flight engineer. Typical seating for 112 in two classes, max seating for 149, later approved (for Eastern Air Lines) for 165.

Dimensions

Wing span 39.88m (130ft 10in), length 41.68m (136ft 9in), height 12.66m (41ft 7in). Wing area 234.2m2 (2521sq ft).

Weights

720B - Operating empty 51,203kg (112,883lb), max takeoff 106,140kg (234,000lb).

Performance

720B - Max speed 1009km/h (545kt), max cruising speed 983km/h (530kt), economical cruising speed 896km/h (484kt). Range with maximum payload and no reserves 6687km (3610nm), range with max fuel 8428km (4550nm).

Power Plants

720B - Four 75.6kN (17,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT3D1 turbofans or four 80kN (18,000lb) JT3D3s.

Boeing 717 Specification Data and History

History
The 100 seat 717 is the latest development of the popular DC-9/MD-80/MD-90 family and the only Douglas airliner which Boeing (which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997) plans to retain in its product line-up. It is designed for high cycle, short range regional airline operations.

McDonnell Douglas first announced the MD-95 at the Paris Airshow in June 1991. At the time MDC anticipated a formal program launch by late 1991 and a first flight in July 1994. As it happened program launch was not until October 1995 when US airline ValuJet (now AirTran Airlines) ordered 50 and optioned 50.

In January 1998 Boeing (following the August 1997 Boeing/McDonnell Douglas merger) relaunched the aircraft as the 717-200 (the second use of the Boeing designation "717", as this was previously allocated to the military C-135/KC-135 family). First flight took place on September 2 1998, followed by a second development 717 on October 26. Certification was awarded on September 1 1999 while the first delivery, to AirTran, was on September 23 that year.

Initially MDC studied powering the MD-95 with Pratt & Whitney JT8D-218s or Rolls-Royce Tays. In February 1994 however MDC announced it had chosen the new BMW Rolls-Royce (now just Rolls-Royce) BR715 over the JT8D-200 and an engine from the proposed "Project Blue" teaming of General Electric, Snecma, MTU and P&W.
Other 717-200 features include a fuselage 1.45m (4ft 9in) longer than the DC-9-30's, a wing based on the DC-9-34's, an advanced six LCD screen Honeywell EFIS flightdeck, and a cabin interior similar to that developed for the MD-90. It is offered in standard 717-200BGW (Basic Gross Weight) and extended range 717-200HGW (High Gross Weight) forms. In addition, 80 seat shortened 717-100 (formerly MD-95-20) and 120 seat stretched 717-300 (formerly MD-95-50) models have been studied, as has a business jet variant.

Companies participating in 717 production include Alenia (fuselage), Korean Air (nose), AIDC of Taiwan (empennage), ShinMaywa of Japan (engine pylons and horizontal stabilizers), Israel Aircraft Industries (undercarriage), and Fischer of Austria (interior). Final assembly is at Boeing's Long Beach plant, in the same building that the DC-9 and MD-80 were built in.

Initial orders and operators are:
AeBal, Airtran, Bangkok Air, Bavaria International Leasing, Hawaiian Airlines, Impulse Airlines, Midwest Express Airlines, Olympic Aviation, Pembroke Leasing, Qantas Link, Siam Reap Air, Trans World Airlines, and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Production

As of early 2003, 153 717s had been ordered, of which 111 had been delivered.

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Typical two class seating for 106 passengers at five abreast in main cabin. Single class seating for 117.

Dimensions

Wing span 28.44m (93ft 3in), length 37.80m (124ft 0in), height 8.87m (29ft 1in). Wing area 93.0m2 (1000.7sq ft).

Weights

717-200BGW - Operating empty 31,674kg (69,830lb), max takeoff 49,940kg (110,100lb) or 51,710kg (114,000lb).
717-200HGW - Operating empty 32,110kg (70,790lb), max takeoff 54,885kg (121,000lb).

Performance

717-200BGW - Cruising speed 811km/h (438kt). Range with 106 passengers 2545km (1375nm).
717-200HGW - Cruising speed same. Range with 106 passengers 3815km (2060nm).

Power Plants

717-200BGW - Two 82.3kN (18,500lb) Rolls-Royce BR715-A1-30 turbofans.
717-200HGW - Same or optionally 89.6kN (20,000lb) or 93.4kN (21,000lb) BR715s.

Boeing 707 Specification Data and History

History
The 707's jet speed, long range, high seating capacity and operating economics revolutionised airliner travel when it was introduced into service in 1958. The 707 also laid the foundations for Boeing's dominance of the jet airliner market.

Recognising the jet engine's potential for commercial aviation, Boeing (at great financial risk) decided to develop a jet powered transport that could fulfil military tanker transport roles but be easily adapted to become an airliner. The resulting prototype, known as the 367 Dash 80, flew for the first time on July 16 1954. Impressed, the US Air Force ordered a larger version, with a wider fuselage (12 ft, vs 11 ft for the Dash 80) into production as the KC-135 tanker/transport (more than 800 were built). At first, Boeing wanted to sell the same size aircraft to the airlines, but the airlines insisted on an even larger airplane, which Douglas promised to build (this became the DC-8). Boeing finally relented, designing the 707 as a longer aircraft with a slightly wider fuselage (12 ft 4 in).

The first production 707 (a 707-120 for Pan Am) flew on December 20 1957, and entered service later the following year. Developments of the 707-120 include the similar 707-220, the shorter 138 for Qantas, and the stretched 707-320, which flew in July 1959. The 707-120 and 320 were later reengined with JT3D turbofans (in place of the original JT3 and JT4 turbojets) to become the 707-120B, and the 707-320B respectively. The 707-320C was a convertible model, the 707-420 was powered by RollsRoyce Conways, while the proposed CFM-56 powered 707-700 upgrade was flight tested in the late 1970s but never entered production.

Most civil 707s in service today have been converted to freighters, while a number are used as corporate transports.

Many air forces have bought 707s, new or converted second-hand aircraft, for general transport, aerial refuelling, and electronic warfare. The E-3 Sentry is a dedicated airborne warning and control system (AWACS) platform with a large rotodome above the fuselage. The E-6 Mercury performs the TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) role with the US Navy, maintaining communication with the ballistic missile submarines. The E-8 J-Stars (Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System) performs the battlefield control role. Other military 707s received the designations C-137, or C-18, but many others have no special military designation.

Production

Production of commercial 707s ended in 1978 after 878 had been built. Limited production of military variants continued until 1990. Approximately 130 remain in commercial service.

Capacity

Flightcrew of three or four.
707-120 max seating for 179, or 110 in two classes (44 first and 66 economy).
707-320B - Max seating for 219, or 189 single class at 81cm (32in) pitch, or 147 in two classes.
Convertible or freighter versions - 13 A type containers.

Dimensions

707-120B - Wing span 39.90m (130ft 10in), length 44.07m (144ft 6in), height 12.94m (42ft 5in). Wing area 226.3m2 (2433sq ft).
707-320B - Wing span 44.42m (145ft 9in), length 46.61m (152ft 11in), height 12.93m (42ft 5in). Wing area 283m2 (3050sq ft).

Weights

707-120B - Operating empty 55,589kg (122,533lb), max takeoff 116,575kg (257,000lb).
707-320B - Empty 66,406kg (146,400lb), max takeoff 151,315kg (333,600lb).

Performance

707-120B - Max speed 1010km/h (545kt), max cruising speed 1000km/h (540kt), economical cruising speed 897km/h (484kt). Range with max payload 6820km (3680nm), range with max fuel 8485km (4580nm).
707-320B - Max speed 1009km/h (545kt), max cruising speed 974km/h (525kt), long range cruising speed 885km/h (478kt). Range with max passengers 6920km (3735nm), range with max fuel and 147 passengers 9265km (5000nm).

Power Plants

707-120B - Four 75.6kN (17,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT3D-1 turbofans.
707-320B - Four 80kN (18,000lb) JT3D-3s or four 84.4kN (19,000lb) JT3D-7s.

Boeing 747-400 Specification Data and History

History
The 747-400 is the latest, longest ranging and best selling model of the 747 family.
Boeing launched the 747-400 in October 1985 and the first development aircraft first flew on April 29 1988. US certification (with PW-4000s) was awarded in January 1989.

The 747-400 externally resembles the -300, but it is a significantly improved aircraft. Changes include a new, two crew digital flightdeck with six large CRT displays, an increased span wing with winglets (the -400 was the first airliner to introduce winglets), new engines, recontoured wing/fuselage fairing, a new interior, lower basic but increased max takeoff weights, and greater range.

Apart from the basic passenger 747-400 model, a number of variants have been offered including the winglet-less 747-400 Domestic optimised for Japanese short haul domestic sectors, the 747-400M Combi passenger/freight model, and the 747-400F Freighter (which combines the 747-200F's fuselage with the -400's wing).

The latest model is the 747-400ER, which was launched on November 28, 2000 when Qantas placed an order for 6. The -400ER has the same size as the -400, but has more range or payload capability. The MTOW was increased by 15,870kg (35,000lb) to 412,770kg (910,000lb), giving a further range of 805km (435nm) or a 6800kg (15,000lb) greater payload. The -400ER also features a wholly new cabin interior with larger luggage bins, and several flight deck improvements.

The -400ER incorporates the strengthened wing, body, and landing gear of the -400F, plus an auxiliary fuel tank in the forward cargo hold, and an optional second one. Operators who don't need these can remove them both, gaining additional cargo volume.

The first 747-400ER was rolled out in June 2002, and flew for the first time on July 31, 2002, and this was the 1308th 747 to fly.

A cargo version, the 747-400ERF, followed the standard -400ER, and was launched April 30, 2001 on an order by leasing company ILFC for 5. The first -400ERF is the 1315th 747 built. The -ERF has the same MTOW as the -ER, and this will give an extra range of 970km (525nm), or an extra payload of 9980kg (22,000lb) at MTOW compared with the standard -400F.

Shortly before delivery of the first -400ER, Boeing had received orders for 15 ER/ERFs from 5 customers.
Various growth 747 models have been studied. The 747-500X and -600X models were dropped in January 1997. Boeing is currently proposing the 747-400XQLR (Quiet Longer Range) to 747-size customers which will offer more range, more quiet, and more features.

Production

Orders for the 747-400 as of August 2002 stood at 632 (of which 17 ER/ERF), of which 585 had been delivered. Total 747 sales stood at 1356.

Capacity

747-400 - Flightcrew of two. Typical three class seating for 416 (23 first, 78 business and 315 economy class pax). Cargo hold 170.5m3 (6025cuft) or 151m3 (5332cuft).
747-400 Domestic - Two class seating for 568 (24 first and 544 economy).
747-400 Combi - Typical arrangement for six or seven pallets and 266 three class passengers.
747-400ER - Same as -400, but cargo hold 158.6m3 (5599cuft) or 137m3 (4837cuft).
747-400F - 30 pallets on the main deck and 32 LD1 containers in the lower hold.

Dimensions

Wing span 64.44m (211ft 5in), length 70.67m (231ft 10in), height 19.41m (63ft 8in). Wing area 541.2m2 (5825sq ft).

Weights

747-400 - Standard operating empty with PW-4056s 180,985kg (399,000lb), with CF6-80-C2B1Fs 180,755kg (398,500lb), with RB-211s 181,755kg (400,700lb); operating weights at optional MTOW with PW-4056s 181,485kg (400,100lb), with CF6-80-C2B1Fs 181,255kg (399,600lb), with RB-211s 182,255kg (401,800lb). Max takeoff 362,875kg (800,000lb), or optionally 377,845kg (833,000lb), or 385,555kg (850,000lb), or 396,895kg (875,000lb).
747-400ER/ERF - MTOW 412,770kg (910,000lb).

Performance

747-400 - Max cruising speed 939km/h (507kt), long range cruising speed 907km/h (490kt). Design range with 420 three class pax at 396,895kg (875,000lb) MTOW 13,491km (7284nm) with PW-4000s, 13,444km (7259nm) with GEs, 13,214km (7135nm) with RB-211s.
747-400ER - Range at MTOW 14,205km (7670nm).
747-400ERF - Range at MTOW 9200km (4970nm).

Power Plants

Four 252.4kN (56,750lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4056 turbofans or 266.9kN (60,000lb) PW-4060s, or 275.8kN (62,000lb) PW-4062s, 252.4kN (56,750lb) General Electric CF6-80-C2B1Fs or 273.6kN (61,500lb) CF6-80-C2B1F1s or -80-C2B7Fs, or 258.0kN (58,000lb) RollsRoyce RB-211-524G or -524Hs, or 262.4 to 266.9kN (59 to 60,000lb) RB-211-524G/H-Ts

Boeing 777-300 Specificatioon Data and History

History
Boeing's 777-300 is powered by the world's most powerful turbofan engines.
The stretched 777-300 is designed as a replacement for early generation 747s (747-100s and 200s). Compared to the older 747s the stretched 777 has comparable passenger capacity and range, but burns one third less fuel and features 40% lower maintenance costs.

Compared with the baseline 777-200 the 300 features a 10.13m (33ft 3in) stretch, comprising plugs fore and aft of the wings. The longer fuselage allows seating for up to 550 passengers in a single class high density configuration. To cope with the stretch and the up to 13 tonne (28,600lb) increased max takeoff weight the 300 features a strengthened undercarriage, airframe and inboard wing. Other changes compared with the 777-200 include a tailskid and ground manoeuvring cameras mounted on the horizontal tail and underneath the forward fuselage. Otherwise changes have been kept to a minimum to maximise commonality.

Boeing publicly announced it was developing the 777-300 at the Paris Airshow in mid June 1995 where it revealed it had secured 31 firm orders from All Nippon, Cathay Pacific, Korean Airlines and Thai Airways. Later that month Boeing's board authorised production of the new aircraft.

The 777-300 rolled out on September 8 1997, followed by first flight on October 16 that year. The type made history on May 4 1998 when it was awarded type certification simultaneously from the US FAA and European JAA and was granted 180min ETOPS approval. Service entry with Cathay Pacific was later in that month.

Like the 777-200, a 777-300ER long range version has been developed. Changes made to the 777-300ER are more powerful General Electric GE90-115B engines (currently the world's most powerful jet engine), raked wingtips, strengthened body, wings, empennage, nose gear, engine struts and nacelles, new main landing gear, and provision for extra fuel tanks. The range, carrying 365 passengers, is increased up to 13,427km (7,250nm).
Roll-out of the first 777-300ER was made on November 14 2002, followed by the first flight on February 24 2003. First delivery, to Air France, is scheduled for March 2004.

Production

Total 777-300 orders as of January 2003 stood at 121 (of which 56 300ER) with 44 delivered.

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Typical passenger accommodation for 386 (30 first, 84 business and 254 economy) to 394 in three class arrangements, 400 to 479 in two class arrangements or up to 550 in an all economy high density configuration. Underfloor capacity for 20 standard LD3 containers or eight 2.55 x 3.17m (96 x 125in) pallets.

Dimensions

Wing span 60.93m (199ft 11in), or folded 47.32m (155ft 3in), length 73.86m (242ft 4in), height 18.51m (60ft 9in). Wing area 427.8m2 (4605sq ft).

Weights

Operating empty 160,120kg (353,600lb), basic max takeoff 263,080kg (580,000lb), high gross weight MTOW 299,380kg (660,000lb).

Performance

777-300 - Typical cruising speed 893km/h (482kt). Range with 386 three class passengers 10,595km (5720nm).
777-300ER - Range with 365 passengers 13,427km (7,250nm).

Power Plants

777-300 - Either two 400kN (90,000lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4090 turbofans, or 436kN (98,000lb) PW-4098s, or 409kN (92,000lb) Rolls-Royce Trent 892s, or 409kN (92,000lb) General Electric GE90-92Bs.
777-300ER - 512 kN (115,300lb) General Electric GE90-115B

Airbus A340-600 Specification Data and History

History
The 15,740km (8500nm) ultra long range A340-500 and stretched 372 seat A340-600 are new variants of the Airbus A340 family, and are currently the world's longest range airliners.

Compared with the A340-300, the A340-600 features a 9.07m (35ft 1in) stretch (5.87m/19ft 3in ahead of the wing and 3.20m/10ft 6in behind), allowing it to seat 372 passengers in a typical three class arrangement. This gives Airbus a true early model 747 replacement and near direct competitor to the 747-400, with similar range, but, Airbus claims, better operating economics (per seat).

The A340-500 meanwhile is stretched by only 3.19m (10ft 6in) compared with the A340-300, and so seats 313 in three classes, but it has a massive range of 15,740km (8500nm), which makes it the longest ranging airliner in the world, capable for example of operating Los Angeles-Singapore nonstop.

The two new A340 models share a common wing. The wing is based on the A330/A340's but is 1.6m (5.2ft) longer and has a tapered wingbox insert, increasing wing area and fuel capacity. Both models feature three fuselage plugs. The other change to the A340 airframe is the use of the A330-200 twin's larger fin and enlarged horizontal area stabilisers. To cope with the increased weights the centre undercarriage main gear is a four wheel bogie, rather than a two wheel unit.

Both new A340s have a high degree of commonality with the A330 and other A340 models. They feature Airbus' common two crew flightdeck, but with some improvements such as LCD rather than CRT displays and modernised systems.

The A340-500 is powered by four 236kN (53,000lb) thrust Rolls-Royce Trent 556 turbofans, and the A340-600 by the 249kN (56,000lb) thrust Trent 556.

The commercial launch for the A340-500/600 was at the 1997 Paris Airshow, the program's industrial launch was in December that year when Virgin Atlantic ordered eight A340-600s and optioned eight. First flight of the A340-600 was made on April 23, 2001. After a 1600 hour flight test program, certification was received on May 29, 2002. Virgin Atlantic took delivery of its first A340-600 at the 2002 Farnborough International Airshow, and began commercial services in August.

The A340-500 made its first flight on February 11, 2002, and was certificated on December 3 after 400 hours of flight test.

Production

69 A340-500s/600s ordered by early 2003, of which 11 delivered. These include 17 A340-500 (1 delivered) and 52 A340-600 (10 delivered).

Capacity

A340-500 - Flightcrew of two. Typical three class seating for 316 passengers. A340-600 Typical three class seating for 372.

Dimensions

A340-500 - Wing span 63.70m (208ft 11in), length 67.80m (222ft 5in), height 17.80m (58ft 5in). Wing area 437.0m2 (4704sq ft).
A340-600 - Same, except length 75.30m (247ft 0in).

Weights

A340-500 - Operating empty 170,400kg (375,665lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).
A340-600 - Operating empty 177,000kg (390,220lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).

Performance

A340-500 - Operating empty 170,400kg (375,665lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).
A340-600 - Operating empty 177,000kg (390,220lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).

Power Plants

A340-500 - Four 236kN (53,000lb) Rolls-Royce Trent 553 turbofans
A340-600 - Four 249kN (56,000lb) Rolls-Royce Trent 556 turbofans.

Airbus A340-500 Specification Data and History

Production

69 A340-500s/600s ordered by early 2003, of which 11 delivered. These include 17 A340-500 (1 delivered) and 52 A340-600 (10 delivered).

Capacity

A340-500 - Flightcrew of two. Typical three class seating for 316 passengers. A340-600 Typical three class seating for 372.

Dimensions

A340-500 - Wing span 63.70m (208ft 11in), length 67.80m (222ft 5in), height 17.80m (58ft 5in). Wing area 437.0m2 (4704sq ft).
A340-600 - Same, except length 75.30m (247ft 0in).

Weights

A340-500 - Operating empty 170,400kg (375,665lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).
A340-600 - Operating empty 177,000kg (390,220lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).

Performance

A340-500 - Operating empty 170,400kg (375,665lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).
A340-600 - Operating empty 177,000kg (390,220lb), max takeoff 365,000kg (804,675lb).

Power Plants

A340-500 - Four 236kN (53,000lb) Rolls-Royce Trent 553 turbofans
A340-600 - Four 249kN (56,000lb) Rolls-Royce Trent 556 turbofans.

Airbus A340-300 Specification Data and History

History
The A340-200 and 300 are the initial variants of the successful quad engined A340 family of long haul widebodies.
The A340 and closely related A330 were launched in June 1987, with the A340's first flight occurring on October 25 1991 (an A340-300). The A340 entered service with Lufthansa and Air France in March 1993, following JAA certification the previous December.

The A340 shares the same flightdeck including side stick controllers and EFIS, plus flybywire, basic airframe, systems, fuselage and wing with the A330 (the flightdeck is also common to the A320 series). Power is from four CFM56s, the four engine configuration being more efficient for long range flights (as twins need more power for a given weight for engine out on takeoff performance) and free from ETOPS restrictions.

The A340-300 has the same fuselage length as the A330-300, while the shortened A340-200 trades seating capacity for greater range (first flight April 1 1992).

The heavier A340-300E is available in 271,000kg (597,450lb) and 275,000kg (606,275lb) max takeoff weights, their typical ranges with 295 passengers are 13,155km (7100nm) and 13,525km (7300nm) respectively. Power for these models is from 152.3kN (34,000lb) CFM56-5C4s (the most powerful CFM56s built). The first A340-300Es were delivered to Singapore Airlines in April 1996.

The 275,000kg (606,275lb) max takeoff weight A340-8000 is based on the 200 but has extra fuel in three additional rear cargo hold tanks and offers a 15,000km (8100nm) range with 232 three class passengers (hence the A340-8000 designation). It too is powered by CFM56-5C4s. One has been built for the Sultan of Brunei.
All versions are offered with underfloor passenger sleepers.

Production

A total of 321 A340 (including all series) had been ordered by May 2002, of which 217 had been delivered.

Capacity

Flightcrew of two.

A340-300 - Typical three class accommodation for 303, or 335 in two classes. Fore and aft underbelly holds can accommodate LD3 containers or pallets.

Dimensions

A340-300 - Same except for length 63.70m (209ft 0in).

Weights

A340-300 - Operating empty 129,800kg (286,150lb), max takeoff 260,000kg (573,200lb).
A340-300E - Operating empty 129,300-130,200kg (285,050-287,050lb), MTOW 271,000kg (597,450lb) or 275,000kg (606,275lb).

Performance

A340-300 - Speeds same. Range at typical airline operating weight with 295 passengers and reserves 12,415km (6700nm).

Power Plants

Four 138.8kN (31,200lb) CFM International CFM56-5C or 145kN (32,550lb) CFM56-5C3 turbofans.

Airbus A340-200 Specification Data and History

Production

A total of 321 A340 (including all series) had been ordered by May 2002, of which 217 had been delivered.

Capacity

Flightcrew of two.
A340-200 - Typical three class arrangement for 263 pax, or 303 in two classes.

Dimensions

A340-200 - Wing span 60.30m (197ft 0in), length 59.39m (194ft 10in), height 16.74m (54ft 11in). Wing area 363.1m2 (3908.4sq ft).

Weights

A340-200 - Operating empty 126,000kg (277,775lb), max takeoff 260,000kg (573,200lb).
A340-300 - Operating empty 129,800kg (286,150lb), max takeoff 260,000kg (573,200lb).

Performance

A340-200 - Max cruising speed 914km/h (494kt), economical cruising speed 880km/h (475kt). Range at typical airline operating weight with 263 passengers and reserves 13,805km (7450nm).

Power Plants

Four 138.8kN (31,200lb) CFM International CFM56-5C or 145kN (32,550lb) CFM56-5C3 turbofans.

Airbus A330-300 Specification Data and History

History
The A330-300 is the biggest member of Airbus' twinjet family and is closely related to the four engined long range A340 with which it shares near identical systems, airframe, flightdeck and wings, the only major difference being the twin (versus four) engine configuration.

The A340 and A330 were launched simultaneously in June 1987. Although developed in parallel the A330-300 made its first flight after the A340, on November 2 1992. It was the first aircraft to achieve simultaneous European Joint Airworthiness Authorities (JAA) and US FAA certification, on October 21 1993. Entry into service took place by the end of that year.

Differences from the A340 aside from the number of engines are slight changes to the wing and internal systems, including fuel tankage. The A330 (like the A340) takes advantage of a number of technologies first pioneered on the A320, including the common advanced EFIS flightdeck with side stick controllers and flybywire computerised flight control system.

While the standard A330-300 shares the same fuselage length as the A340-300, Airbus has studied various stretched (A330-400) and shortened (A330-100 and 200) versions. The shortened A330-200 was formally launched in 1996 as a long range 767-300ER competitor, and is described separately. One stretched, high capacity concept studied for a time featured lower deck seating in place of the forward freight hold.

Production

Total orders stood at 177 at late 1998, of which over 70 were in service.

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Passenger seating arrangements for 295 in three classes or 335 in two class (30 premium class at 2+3+2 and 305 economy at 2+4+2). Max passengers in high density configuration 440. Front and rear underbelly cargo holds can take 32 LD3 containers or 11 pallets.

Dimensions

Wing span 60.30m (197ft 10in), length 63.69m (210ft 0in), height 16.83m (55ft 2in). Wing area 363.1m2 (3908.4sq ft).

Weights

A330-300 - Operating empty 121,870kg (268,675lb) with CF6 engines, 122,460kg (269,975lb) with PW-4000s, and 121,970kg (268,900lb) with Trents. Max takeoff 212,000kg (467,380lb).
Long range A330 - Operating empty 122,780kg (270,675lb) with PW4000s or 122,210kg (269,425lb) with CF6s, 122,300kg (269,625lb) with Trents, max takeoff 217,000kg (478,400lb)

Performance

Max cruising speed 880km/h (475kt) at 33,000ft, economical cruising speed 860km/h (464kt). Range with 335 pax and reserves 8340km (4500nm) with CF6s, or 8430km (4550nm) with P&W engines, or 8600km (4640nm) with Trents.
A330 longer range version with max passengers range 10,185km (5,500nm).

Power Plants

A330-300 - Choice of two 300.3kN (67,500lb) General Electric CF6-80E1A2s, 284.7kN (64,000lb) Pratt & Whitney PW-4164s, or PW-4168s or 304.6kN (68,000lb) RollsRoyce Trent 768 or Trent 772 turbofans.
Long range A330 choice of P&W PW-4164s or PW-4168s or RR Trent 768s or 772s or 324kN (73,000lb) PW-4173s.

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