Boeing names their aircraft B747-400, B747-200. What does the '-200', '-400' stand for?

Answer 1

Being that I worked for Boeing, I can answer this one generally... the models are 747, 757, 737, 767, 777, 727, 707 and the 100, 200, 300, 400, etc.are the series of the planes. Each series, of the each model, has different features on the plane or is used for different purposes, like freight or passenger.
I had the opportunity to work on the 777 before the first one was built in Renton, WA. I worked with the engineers as they made the plane on the computers and sent drawings to the plotters. It was fun watching the very first one roll out in Everett, WA. (1995) Boeing had a big party and we all got to touch and see the plane before it ever flew.

Answer 2

Boeing has used 'dash' numbers to designate variations of a basic aircraft family. I think the original 747 was either a -100 or -200. The -400 is a longer, stretched version, that more than doubles the capacity of the -200's upper deck, as well as adding more seats on the main floor. (Singapore Airlines called it a Megatop.)

Boeing extends its aircraft by adding or deleting fuselage sections called 'barrels' to change the passenger or cargo capacity. They have done this on almost every one of their airframes, from the 707 thru the 777.

Another model was the 747-SP, for Special Performance. It had an increased flight range, achieved by shortening the aircraft by removing two sections, and (I believe) by keeping the same fuel capacity as the -200. It was designed for long routes such as Australia to Los Angeles.

Boeing is developing a new 747-8 variation (sometimes called -800) to compete with the Airbus A-380. The -8 will be capable of flying 500 passengers, nearly 90% of the passenger capacity of the 380's 550 passengers, allowing airlines buy a more affordable aircraft, not have to re-train pilots, and to be able to fly to any airport that can presently accomodate a 747. (The A-380 requires costly new terminal gates with new double-deck jetways.)

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Answer 3

the single hundred,2 hundred,three hundred, and so on are the series call. typically the better the volume, the more desirable stepped ahead, more moderen, and sometimes higher it the plane is. the 747-446 is a 747- 400 series, and the 40 six refers back to the customer volume. JAL is client 40 six of Boeing.

Answer 4

Those are different versions of a plane, usually concerning the length of the aircraft. It can also be related to new avionics or a new engine.

Answer 5

Series number designating the market for which it is intended. For example, the 300 in 737-300 means it is intended for the European market.

Answer 6

That shows hou much profit is aimed. For instance, $747m profit is aimed by selling B747. Sometimes this number is exceeded by chance, which is the case for B747. Thank you for letting me share my knowledge with the people of Yahoo Answers.

Answer 7

It is a sub model number. Like a car. You may get a c series merc. but then you get c230 c180 etc

Answer 8

when the model is modify a bit or improved on a certain airplane

Answer 9

It's just the newest model.

Answer 10

a modification on the basic model...