Is the Boeing 747-800 a real airliner that will be in production? Where can I get good info about it?

Question

I heard that it will compete with the A380. How does it compare to it in terms of size, speed, efficiency, etc?

Answer 1

Yes. The Boeing 747-8 (There's no hundred, lol, more info below.) is a real airliner meant for production and has been touted as a DIRECT challenge to the Airbus A380 by the Boeing Company.

A little background on the new B747-8:
The designation was meant to segregate the new aircraft from the classic B747 family. According to Boeing, it is to show a link between the old B747 family (the body) and the new B787 technologies demonstrated on the new platform (raked wings, new cockpit, etc.).
A stretch along the centre fuselage section (from the B744) and changes to airframe enable the aircraft to possess twin-aisle, 450 three-class seating capacity.
Range of the 748 Intercontinental (748I) is touted to be 8000 nm (or 14815 km) whilst its frieghter version (748F) is 4475 nm (8275 km).
The 747-8 family is to be powered by General Electric GEnx-2B67, rated at 66500 lbs thrust.

In terms of performance in other aspects and efficiency, there has been much debate and controversy in these areas. This is especially prevalant in comparative discussions on savings for airliners in terms of operation and seat-mile costs.

Of course, it's needless to say that information could be found off the Web. And much less to say from the horses' mouth themselves (references below).
Other reliable and authoritative sources for comparisons and commentaries made would be available off major aviation magazines. Note though, magazines MAY NOT offer a balanced view based on their geopolitical positions. Good ones to try out would be Flight International (British) and Aviation Week & Space Technology (AWST) (USA).
Another way is to visit major airshows like Farnborough, Le Bourget, ILA Berlin and Singapore Airshow (formerly Asian Aerospace) to enquire about it. People are on hand to answer your questions pertaining to the programmes. Beautiful, detailed brouchures and posters are also given out at such events.
Have fun and happy discovering the new aircraft!

Answer 2

"Is the Boeing 747-800 a real airliner that will be in production?
Absolutely.

"Where can I get good info about it?
The Boeing 747-800 website- http://www.747.newairplane.com/

"How does it compare to it in terms of size, speed, efficiency, etc?"

Based on projections the aircraft is expected to be equally, if not more efficient, than the A380. From the Boeing press release:

The Intercontinental will be quieter, produce fewer emissions, and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. Compared to the A380, it will offer 22 percent lower trip costs*. The 747-8F will offer 20 percent lower trip costs vs the A380.

The new 747 will feature GE's 787-technology GEnx engines, meet Stage 4 and QC2 noise requirements, have reduced emissions, offer lower trip costs and have an upgraded flight deck and an improved wing. The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane will be stretched 3.6 m (11.7 ft) compared to the 747-400 to accommodate 34 additional seats in a typical three-class configuration. It will have a range of 14,815 km (8,000 nmi).

Size & speed* comparision:

747-800 Intercontinental
MTOW- 960,000 lb (435,456 kg)
Typical Cruise Speed* - M.855
Wing Span -224 ft 9 in (68.5 m)
Length - 224 ft 9 in (68.5 m) & Freighter - 250 ft 2 in (75.3
Tail Height - 63 ft 6 in (19.4 m)

A380
MTOW- 1,235,000 lb (560,000 kg)
Typical Cruise Speed* - M.850
Wingspan: 261 ft 10 in (79.8 m)
Length: 239 ft 6 in (73 m)
Tail Height: 79 ft 1 in (24.1 m)

*all projected as neither are in service yet

Answer 3

Try :