A Boeing 777-200 "XLR" ?!

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Member for

19 years 10 months

Posts: 1,151

Looks like Qantas will buy the B777-200LR or a -200LR derivative soon. :)

Boeing seeks to fly 777LR further
Potential -200LR derivative could operate Sydney-London year-round equipped with lighter, low-density cabin

Boeing is discussing with airlines a potential 777-200LR derivative offering a range “in excess of 10,000nm [18,500km]” when equipped with additional auxiliary fuel tanks and a lighter interior.

The baseline -200LR, which is nearing the end of its flight-test programme, is offered with up to three auxiliary fuel tanks installed in its aft belly hold, giving it a range of 17,400km with 301 passengers. This performance is superior to that quoted by Airbus for the ultra-long-range A340-500, making the -200LR the longest-range airliner available.

However, Boeing regional director product marketing Anita Polt says that following customer requests a further range push is being examined that would enable the -200LR to fly distances in excess of 18,500km: “We can install up to six auxiliary fuel tanks, but if you want to go more than 9,400nm you need to take some weight out of the interior and go for lower density seating,” she says. “This would push range well over 10,000nm.”

Polt declines to identify whether the discussions are with existing or potential 777-200LR customers, or which city-pairs are in mind for such an aircraft. However, Flight International understands that it would be able to fly in both directions between London and Sydney non-stop.

Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon said earlier this year that the Australian flag carrier was interested in operating the 777-200LR as a “hub buster” and said he believed Boeing was “not too far from getting an economic payload into London” (Flight International, 12-18 July). The still-air distance from Sydney to London Heathrow is 17,000km, but allowances for headwinds and minimum fuel reserves require a range of 17,600km.

The longest scheduled air route operated is the 16,600km service between Singapore and New York flown by Singapore Airlines using its A340-500s with a relatively low-density cabin arrangement. These flights can last up to 18h depending on winds and routeing.


Source: FI - Boeing seeks to fly 777LR further
Original post

Member for

18 years 11 months

Posts: 108

Close, but it's Qantas... there is no "u." :) (no hard feelings)

I'm not sure whether this would be a huge success (relatively speaking) -- or whether it's really that different from a 772LR. It seems that the cabin is the biggest change; everything else is pretty much a 772LR?

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19 years 6 months

Posts: 1,583

Out of curiosity, does the A345 use auxiliary fuel tanks as well to achieve its maximum operational radius? I ask this because it seems to me and correct me if I am wrong, that the 772LR can only achieve its maximum range if these are used!

Member for

20 years 11 months

Posts: 12,842

Out of curiosity, does the A345 use auxiliary fuel tanks as well to achieve its maximum operational radius? I ask this because it seems to me and correct me if I am wrong, that the 772LR can only achieve its maximum range if these are used!

There are two fuel capacity options offered for the A340-500, but this is achieved by increasing the size of the integral centre tank to boost volume by 7,200 litres (1,900US gal), rather than by adding ACTs.

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 1,064

Whats the point in a B777-200XLR when the B777-200LR can already fly long range routes non-stop including London to Sydney.

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 117

It can't can it, it would be 200 Km short of the regulations????

wozza

Whats the point in a B777-200XLR when the B777-200LR can already fly long range routes non-stop including London to Sydney.

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 1,064

I believe it can

Member for

19 years 6 months

Posts: 1,583

So what exactly is the 772LR's actual range without these auxiliary fuel tanks?