Aircraft series type designation
 

On another popular website featuring an extensive catalog of 'airliner' photos, the photos are usually accompanied by background information regarding the shot. One of the items is the aircraft type; 747-412, 747-45E, 737-844, 767-35E etc etc.

How does a spotter obtain such specific information regarding the aircraft he's shooting?

Also, what difference would one find between a 412, and a 45E anyways? Or aircraft of any other series for that matter?

For Boeings, the 747-4 or 767-3 specifies the model number, ie 747-400 or 767-300 in the case. The last 2 characters specify the customer number. The customer fit will vary in some way from the manufacturers basic specification.

So, BA has customer number 36, so BA's 747-4's are B747-436 etc.

HTH, b ut a search would reveal previous discussions - btw, Airbus do it differently!

Your reply was definitely helpful. I appreciate it. I will dig up some old posts for further info.

BTW, how do 'buses differ?

EDIT: Just found out that Airbus do it by engine model and variant type.

If it's the website I think it is, the site's database usually supplies the required model information and the photographer can either accept that or amend it if it's not completely correct. There are many reference books and internet sources, often produced by enthusiasts, and which contain the individual "career histories", model data etc. of current and past commercial transport aircraft.

I believe that figures after the main aircraft type designators also refer to such variables such as engine type chosen, seating layout, etc etc...