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If Airbus had built and commercialized the A-380 Freighter, would it be a success or failure?
Well let’s start with the first two. Lots of lift and the ability to carry a lot of weight mean that freight companies can load it with stacks of cargo and it can still fly safely. The third point mentions weight reduction. What I mean is that unlike the A380, the 747 only has a partial upper deck. Obviously, half a deck weighs less than a whole deck. The 747’s upper deck has been extending since the 1980s/1990s, so Boeing introduced their newest freighters with a short upper deck. (flip.it) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
The reason they didn't build it is that there was no interest in a A380 freighter. That should answer the question of whether it would have made a difference in making the A380 a commercial success.
There was more to the lack of orders than meets the eye, Torsten. As several commenters on the original thread didn't really point out, but referenced, the a380 upper deck runs the length of the fuselage and is entirely structural. Thus,it could not be readily modified without great expense. The net, net was heavy large bulk freight wouldn't fit in the lower deck and the upper deck wouldn't support heavy smaller bulk freight. Then there is the issue of adequate facilities where it can operate. The AN225 has the same issue with span and thus is also limited as to where it can operate. IMHO the 74 really did set the size standard for the modern era.
But the AN225 is just as large and more expensive to fly....http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/5083/why-china-wants-to-put-the-gargantuan-antonov-an-225-mriya-back-into-production
Hi Matt, correct me if I am wrong. There are only 4 functional AN225' in existence.
Thanks Matt, I saw a special on Discovery Network show on Amazing Aircraft. Yes they have one operational. There are three more that they are refurbishing it for oversized cargo. I guess the demand for that fleet is realistic where a huge 380 fleet would fail.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-225_Mriya
Only one, Cansoir.
Only one, Cansoir.
True, but China wants to build them. The AN, not a 380
OK:)