747-400ER cockpit configuration

[Edwin Lim]

G'day, I'm doing some research for an article on the 747-400ER that'll be launched in October this year. Would anyone have any news or personal feedback on the cockpit/ cabin configuration the latest aircraft has, in contrast to the present 400 variants? I understand there will be some basic improvements to the flight deck aesthetics, through cockpit noise reduction and according to Boeing, "more reliable" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> LCD displays. . .. .Are there any Qantas -400 drivers out there in particular who can help me? . .. .Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Ford Airlane]

Love to, but the first aircraft won't be delivered until november later this year with 6 scheduled, the last one being delivered in July 2005.. .. .The boeing (www.boeing.com ?)website will probably tell you more than I can, but I believe the differences are:. .. .1. B777 style cabin interior.. .2. B777 style cockpit. LCDs etc. The current 400s have CRTs. I imagine it would be almost identical to look at as the B777, as are the 737NGs.. .3. MTOW increase to (about) 413,000kg. GE engines as the RB211s do not have the grunt.. .4. Second centre tank for extra fuel.. .. .Rumour is Qantas will be doing (Sydney -)Auckland - Dallas with these, will also enable more payload to be carried on weight limited sectors such as LA - Melbourne.. .. .Don't really know about the cockpit noise reduction. Qantas currently use active noise reduction (ANR) headsets on the 400s, so I wouldn't imagine this would be a big selling point.. .. .Hope this helps. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="tongue.gif" />

[farrari]

Ford F, no this aircraft has CRT as on the current models, you may be thinking of the new flight deck which Boeing may bring out , but not for this one.

[Edwin Lim]

Guys, thanks heaps for your comments. They're much appreciated. . .. .Ford, . .. .I just want to verify the 400ER's launch date. My understanding is that it will be delivered Oct this year to QF, who will be its launch customer. Where did November come in? Were you referring to the ORDER QF made in November 2000? . .. .Pitcairn,. .. .Is there much difference between CRT and LCD displays? Would you care to elaborate? Sorry, but my first-hand knowledge of these systems is very basic! I would only hazard a guess that the LCDs have better screen resolution and are more reliable?

[Edwin Lim]

pitcairn,

Thanks for that. Makes it clearer for me. Feedback from other pilots also indicate that primary changes to the flight deck are the LCD/CRT display, other primary design modications (fuel capacity, payload, landing gear) aside.

I really appreciate these posts. Keep 'em coming if anyone hears anything further!

[Ford Airlane]

The first aircraft (400ER) is due to fly in July, apparently the testing program is around 90 cycles and 250 hours flying.

Number 2 off the line will actually be the first one to be delivered, which at this stage is November. Number 1 a/c will be the second a/c with a forecast delivery date of December.

I'm not too sure about the differences in fuel configuration beyond the fact that it will have some kind of additional auxiliary centre wing tank. As to whether it will feed into the current CWT as is the case with the stab tank config or otherwise I'm not sure.

I guess we'll find out more details closer to delivery date.