YOU THINK THE A380 IS BIG?

[johnashfield]

I like the way the new 747-8 looks in the drawing boeing released. Much more graceful than the a380.

[rickenmetal]

I don't know much about aircraft design, but it obviously could not fly (not with Earth's gravity, anyways).

The engines are way too small, even though there's tons of propellers, there's way more space inside for human needs than for technical requirements, and that thing on top with the engines would probably break off in flight (if it was somehow launched, it would not be able to take off in the first place).

[jingle_jangle]

I assume you're talking about the Bel Geddes concept that started this thread, Ivan.

Concepts such as this are meant as thought-provokers and conversation-starters, not as literal, locked-in-concrete ideas.

This phase of design is often called "blue sky" work, because the sky's the limit; a designer allows his imagination to run wild and move beyond the constraints of the day. Whether or not this actual design would ever fly is immaterial; it's the ideas and details and the discussion that it spawns, that are what's important.

You might try Googling Norman's name and have a good look at the designs he actually brought to fruition. He was quite a visionary and highly valued in his day, and his legacy shows an exuberance and willingness to think outside the box that would not be out of place today.

[paologregorio]

Such comfort in air travel would be nice. Northrop considered something similar in a much smaller airframe for a possible civilian version of its flying wing. Ah, if only. I'm a skinny guy, and flying is still a bit uncomfortable. Civilian air travel has really gone downhill over the past decade or so.

I wish Boeing WOULD build the BWB.

[johnallg]

... Civilian air travel has really gone downhill over the past decade or so.

Can you say "MOO!!!!"

[wmthor]

Here's the way to travel today:

[jingle_jangle]

I dunno; looks pretty cramped...

But a Saudi prince has already ordered his own specially-equipped 380:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/ ... index.html

[johneek]

I dunno; looks pretty cramped...

But a Saudi prince has already ordered his own specially-equipped 380:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/ ... index.html

I wonder what the poor people are doing today? Oh wait....I guess that's me.

[leesh]

Working on the 747-8 is very exciting....some great upgrades and features that are being added.

[leesh]

One more thing - I have a friend who's been working at a sort of refurb place for large commercial airplanes. Think of it as "pimp my ride" or "overhaulin'" for pricey jets. From what I've been told, some of the luxury add-ons are incredible....

[jps]

Can you have a full backline with killer PA installed in the lounge?

[johneek]

Can you have a full backline with killer PA installed in the lounge?

If the bucks are right, you can make almost anything happen....

[antipodean]

Can you have a full backline with killer PA installed in the lounge?

If the bucks are right, you can make almost anything happen....

Or at least experience a higher class of failure in comfort!