Boeing 767
The Boeing 767 is a mid-size, wide-body twinjet airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Here's detailed information about this aircraft:
Development and History
- Conception: The project for the Boeing 767 was launched in 1978 as a response to the growing demand for an aircraft that could fly long distances with high passenger comfort but was smaller than the Boeing 747.
- First Flight: The first flight occurred on September 26, 1981.
- Entry into Service: It entered commercial service with United Airlines on September 8, 1982.
Design and Features
- Fuselage: The 767 has a wider fuselage than the narrow-body Boeing 757, allowing for a twin-aisle configuration which increases passenger comfort.
- Wings: It features a supercritical wing design for better fuel efficiency.
- Engines: Initially equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, later models use the General Electric CF6 or Rolls-Royce RB211 engines.
- Avionics: The 767 was among the first aircraft to incorporate a two-man cockpit with digital avionics.
Variants
- 767-200: The original variant with a maximum seating capacity of 255 passengers.
- 767-300: Stretched version, first flew in 1986, offering up to 350 seats.
- 767-300F: A freighter version, first delivered in 1995, used extensively for cargo operations.
- 767-400ER: An extended range version with increased fuel capacity, introduced in 2000.
- 767 Tanker: A military variant for aerial refueling, used by the United States Air Force.
Operational History
- Over 1,200 Boeing 767s have been ordered and delivered, making it one of the most successful wide-body aircraft in terms of sales.
- It has been a popular choice for transatlantic routes due to its range capabilities.
- Many airlines use the 767 for both passenger and cargo services, with some converting older passenger models into freighters.
Notable Incidents
- The Boeing 767 has had several notable incidents, including the famous United Airlines Flight 232 crash in 1989, where the crew managed an emergency landing after a catastrophic failure of the tail engine.
Current Status
- As of 2023, the Boeing 767 continues to be in production, with orders for both passenger and freighter versions.
- It serves as a platform for the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker for the U.S. military.
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