What's a 747-41R ??

[GeneralElectric]

Hi chaps

Just wondered what the -41R variant of a B747 means? No info on Mr Boeing's site.

It's still a -400 isn't it?

TIA

GE

[ElNino]

The last 2 numbers in the series number are a code Boeing uses to identify whom the aircraft was built for. Therefore 1R is the Boeing code for whatever airline ordered the aircraft. The code never changes from then on, no matter who owns the aircraft. . .The aircraft in question is thus still a -400.. .And for example, BA is -X36 so any 737-200 built for BA, will be a 737-236 no matter where it is now.

[Bright-Ling]

Have a look at:

<a href="http://www.bird.ch/bharms/asr_sh00.htm" target="_blank">Ailiner directory</a>

Follow the link to B747-400 series and it will list ALL 747's ever made. I can only find three 41R's there - all belonging to Virgin. (G-VAST, G-VWOW and G-VROY)

There are a few 4Q8's new from Boeing before it and a few 443's since then. But, the 443's were originally destined for Alitalia (and the have an upstairs office upstairs replacing one of the toilets for the IFSD - In Flight Services Director).

So - there you go........makes sense now?!!??

Also see:

<a href="http://www.srg.caa.co.uk/aircraftregister/ginfo_dbsearch.asp" target="_blank">CAA registration search</a>

This will tell you whether it was delivered new.

Finally, see:

<a href="http://vsfan.uprootedtech.com/home.html" target="_blank">Virgin UNOFFICIAL website</a>

P.S. I am NOT a spotter and am guessing!

[Wycombe]

GE,

I think "1R" is the Boeing Customer No. for one of the big lessors (can't remember which one though) - have a feeling that "Q8" is ILFC.

[GeneralElectric]

Thanks guys

Bright-Ling: The -41R's you listed there all show up as having their first registration with VA, so I guess that makes the -41R a suffix specific to Virgin then!

Cheers. .GE

[AlanM]

No obvious exetrnal differences I think.....go see:

<a href="http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=172618" target="_blank">Virgin 747-41R</a>

or

<a href="http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=172617" target="_blank">G-VAST at LHR</a>

[ABM]

For future reference, try the following website:-

<a href="http://www.house747.freeserve.co.uk/boeing.htm" target="_blank">Boeing Customer codes</a>

[The_Banking_Scot]

Thanks for that link Bright_Ling,

Some terrific Virgin Atlantic aircraft pictures on the site.

[GeneralElectric]

I agree. Big thanks for all your replies, some fantastic pics too.

Still think Virgin have some of the best looking 747's around! <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

Cheers . .GE