Can the 747 be saved?

Question: It’s sad to see the 747, the most beautiful and iconic passenger plane ever built, being retired. What has accounted for its demise?

— Anthony Carron, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Answer: The 747 will remain in service in cargo operations for several more years. In passenger service, it has been overtaken economically. The new fuel-efficient twins cost so much less to operate that the 747 cannot compete.

The 747 entered service in 1969 as one of the technological marvels of the day. In the 48 years since, it has remained iconic. Nearly 50 years in service is a remarkable feat for any airplane.

Q: I’ve read about the inevitable death of the 747. ... Why can’t engine manufacturers come up with an engine similar to what is on the more fuel-efficient aircraft — for example, producing a version of the engine that is on a 787 or a 777 — to fit and safely propel the 747?

— Randy, Phoenix

A: The total thrust required is the key, not the number of engines. A 777 engine may be equal to two 747 engines, but the wing is not designed to take such a large engine in one place.

In 1969, it took four engines to power the 747. Since then, engine technology has improved, making more powerful engines common. However, the design limitations remain for the 747. It may be possible to re-engine a 747 to a twin, but I have not heard of an economical way.

Q: Can a Boeing 747 be converted to a military plane?

— Lai, Pennsylvania

A: The original design of the 747 included the ability to convert it to a military cargo airplane. The nose of these specially built freighters lifts up, allowing access for large cargo. Passenger 747s can be converted into troop carriers. During the Gulf War of 1990, many airliners flew troops to the Middle East. While they were not true military planes, they were an important addition to the Air Force’s transport capability.