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Modern Airplanes
Airbus A340: Designed as a four-engined long-range complement to the A330, the A340 compete's primarily with The two major versions of the A340 in service are the basic A340-300 and the extended-range A340-200. In addition, a combined passenger/freight A340-300 model has also been developed. Current efforts are focused on the new A340-600 with a longer fuselage for up to 410 (and possibly 550) passengers and much more powerful engines. A shorter A340-500 with enlarged wings and increased fuel capacity is planned to complement the -600 and offer even greater range. Over 230 examples of the A340 had been built by 2003. Airbus A380: The Airbus A380 was developed in response to the growing problems of airport congestion and air traffic
Boeing 707: Beginning as the Model 367-80 in 1952, the Boeing 707 was to become the first turbine-engine powered So successful was the Boeing 707 concept that it has served as the basis for all future Boeing transports to the current day as well as those of its rivals. By the time production finally ended in 1991, 1,010 aircraft had been built for passenger, freight, and military operations. Many will remain in service, especially with African and South American operators, well into the 21st century. By the time the 707 had entered service, Boeing realized that a need existed for a shorter range aircraft for However, the 727 departed from these designs by using a three-engine arrangement, with all three located at the rear of the aircraft. The advantages of this arrangement included a reduction in wing structural requirements while promoting improved wing aerodynamics. The 727 also incorporated thrust-reversing engines and an advanced flap system to reduce landing field length. Although the 727 was even more economical to operate than initially anticipated, sales in the early 1960s were somewhat disappointing. This problem was due to the fact that many operators desired a larger capacity aircraft. Boeing then proceeded with an enlarged 727, the 727-200, capable of carrying up to 189 passengers or more fuel. Both the 727-100 and 727-200 models soon became best sellers, and a total of 1,832 airframes were completed by the time production ended in 1984. Boeing replaced the design with the more advanced 757. |
Boeing's 777, and 747. The A340 shares many features with the A330, including the same fuselage, landing gear, tail assembly, flight deck, and basic wing. The wing structure and leading-edge slats are slightly modified because of the two additional engines. 
control systems struggling to cope with the number of aircraft in operation. Originally known as the A3XX, the enormous design was re-christened as the A380 following the official launch of the program in late 2000. Upon entering service, the A380 will become the first full triple-decked super jumbo-jet as well as the first true competitor to the Boeing 747. Though many argue that the aviation industry is not ready for such a giant, Airbus believes that by committing to the A380 now, the company will be in excellent position to take advantage of such a need by 2020. By then, Airbus estimates a potential need for 1,200 passenger and 300 freighter models. 
airliner in the US. The basic design, first unveiled in 1954, was derived from the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser civil and KC-97 military transports as well as the B-47 Stratojet bomber. The 707 saw many improvements over its production lifetime, namely sporting numerous engines ranging from the original Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbojets to the final, much-improved, JT3D-7 turbofans. 
domestic service. Over 70 possible configurations for this new aircraft were considered before Boeing selected a design emphasizing commonality with the 707 and 720 to lower costs.