Just read in AWST about all the orders rolling for 744 conversions to freighters whcih are being done in China. Exactly the same spec as the 747F except - no nose door.
Just to add my undeucated opinion of the 380F v. 744F. There is also another larger issue than the nose door. That is the floor loading restrictions.
On the 744F the floor loading is 9.2bs/sq in. on the 380F, it's 7.2lbs/sq in. That in it self is a fairly significant limitation on the 380. On the 744SF the loading on the main deck is also limited in certain areas. IIRC, it's only about 2-4 pallet positions. Not a significant impact on operations. In addition, the 744F/SF will accept a 10' pallet through the side door. The 380F standard door will not accept a pallet that tall.
Last edited by Phil Squares; 3rd Jun 2005 at 08:55.