Boeing 747-400 LCF Dreamlifter

The oversized cargo jet built to transport Dreamliner components worldwide.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: BLCF 2006–Present Active $261 million

The Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter, commonly known as the Dreamlifter, was developed to transport major assemblies for the 787 program. Converted from 747-400 airframes, it features an enlarged fuselage for outsize cargo. The aircraft entered service in the mid-2000s to support Boeing’s global production network.

Live Fleet Activity (BLCF)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Pratt and Whitney PW 4062
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 63,300 lbf · 282 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Avionics
Wing tips
Raked wingtips
Seats
2
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
235 ft 2 in  ·  71.68 m
Tail height
70 ft 8 in  ·  21.54 m
Fuselage diameter
27 ft 6 in  ·  8.38 m
Wing span
211 ft 3 in  ·  64.40 m
Baggage volume
65,156 ft³  ·  1,845.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
803,000 lb  ·  364,000 kg
Max landing weight
666,000 lb  ·  302,000 kg
Max payload
330,500 lb  ·  150,000 kg
Fuel capacity
52,600 gal · 199,100 L · 159,300 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
474 kt  ·  545 mph  ·  878 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
145 kt  ·  167 mph  ·  269 km/h
Range
4,212 nm  ·  4,850 mi  ·  7,800 km
Fuel burn
0.08 nm/gal  ·  0.04 km/L
Ceiling
41,000 ft  ·  12,500 m
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
9,200 ft  ·  2,800 m
Landing distance
7,000 ft  ·  2,130 m
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‘N780BA’ Boeing 747-409(LCF) Dreamlifter

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Operational Context

Boeing 747-400 LCF Dreamlifter — oversized cargo transport aircraft

The Dreamlifter first flew in modified form in 2006 and entered service shortly thereafter. Boeing selected the 747-400 platform and redesigned the upper fuselage to create a massive cargo hold capable of carrying complete fuselage sections and wings. The aircraft retains the 747-400’s wing and flight deck while incorporating a swing-tail cargo door for loading.

Powered by four high-bypass turbofan engines producing approximately 60,000 pounds of thrust (267 kN) each depending on engine type, the Dreamlifter cruises at around 490 knots (905 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 875,000 pounds (397,000 kg). Cargo volume is significantly greater than that of a standard 747 freighter, though payload weight is optimized for large but relatively lightweight components.

The Dreamlifter operates primarily within Boeing’s internal logistics network. Its role was critical in enabling globalized 787 production. Only a small fleet was produced, making it one of the most specialized 747 derivatives ever built.

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