A look at the next generation Boeing 747

[Sportsdude]

BBC in pictures again:

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 [DIV class=bodytxt]Plane manufacturer Boeing is updating its best-selling 747 jumbo jet. The new design, called the 747-8, is undergoing testing now and will fly in 2009. (Image: Boeing)

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]A model of the new plane costing $10m (£5.5m) is currently being tested by engineers in the UK at a wind tunnel owned by technology firm Qinetiq.

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]The tunnel is able to replicate the relatively slow speed conditions experienced during take-off and landing. The model can be tilted backwards and forwards during tests.

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]1,600 pressure sensors cover the body of the model to measure the airflow over the plane. Boeing has conducted more than 3,000 hours of testing in the tunnel this year.

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 align=center border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff] [DIV class=bodytxt]The plane uses a new wing shape with a "raked tip" like a bird's wing. The new design is the "world's fastest commercial wing", according to Boeing. (Image: Boeing)

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]The design of both the Freighter and Intercontinental versions is longer than existing models. The change will allow airline companies to add an extra 34 seats. (Image: Boeing)

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]The new 450-seat Intercontinental plane will still not carry as many people as the Airbus A380, which can hold up to 840. (Image: AFP)

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 align=center border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff] [DIV class=bodytxt]Boeing says it is not trying to compete with Airbus's double-decker superjumbo. However, the 747-8 will have a "skyloft" at the back of the plane.[/DIV][/TD] [TD bgColor=#ffffff rowSpan=2][img height=1 hspace=2 src="vny!://news.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width=1 border=0][/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE] [TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=center bgColor=#e7e7e7 border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD align=middle colSpan=5][img height=1 src="vny!://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/999999.gif" width="100%"][/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE]

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=600 align=center border=0] [TBODY] [TR] [TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff] [DIV class=bodytxt]The extra space has been described as "the most expensive real estate in the world". It is not publicly used on existing 747s but could be converted into smoking rooms, lounges, bunks or shops. (Image: Boeing)[/DIV][/TD] [TD bgColor=#ffffff rowSpan=2][img height=1 hspace=2 src="vny!://news.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif" width=1 border=0][/TD][/TR][/TBODY][/TABLE]

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[DIV class=bodytxt] [DIV class=bodytxt]Boeing says the new plane will be the most fuel-efficient and quietest jumbo to date. The Freighter version will launch in 2009, followed by the Intercontinental in 2010. (Image: Boeing)

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[Lise]

Oooh. Looks awesome. If they can make the economy class seats bigger and wider, I'd be more than grateful.

[Sportsdude]

You know I've never been on anything bigger then a 737 (Southwest Airlines). But when ever the plane taxis up to the gate those planes make the plane I'm in look like a compact car.

[kingy]

how about making them faster instead of bigger. nothing worst than a long flight in the middle of the night.

[Sportsdude]

Apparently thats what the curved wing is for. They say it will go faster.

[Marik]

Wonder how much plane tickets will go up by... and yeah, make the seats in economy a little wider!! Not all of us can afford to travel in first/business class!!!