Boeing
Boeing 747 Global SuperTanker
The Boeing 747 Global SuperTanker is a uniquely adapted version of the iconic 747-400 platform, transformed into the world’s largest aerial firefighting aircraft. Developed in the early 2000s through a partnership between Boeing and the Global SuperTanker program, the conversion was completed in 2009, marking a new chapter in the aircraft’s long‑standing history of versatile service. Retaining the 747’s four‑engine, high‑wing design, the SuperTanker incorporates a reinforced airframe, enlarged fuel tanks for extended range, and a state‑of‑the‑art pressurized water‑drop system capable of releasing up to 19,600 gallons (approximately 74,200 liters) of fire suppressant in a single sortie. Advanced avionics, fly‑by‑wire controls, and a digital cockpit enable precise drops even in challenging mountainous terrain. The aircraft’s sheer payload capacity and rapid climb rate have proved decisive in massive wildfire events across the United States, Canada, and Australia, where conventional tankers struggled to keep pace. As a testament to Boeing’s engineering adaptability, the 747 Global SuperTanker symbolizes how legacy airframes can be repurposed to meet emerging public‑safety needs, reinforcing the 747’s legacy as a workhorse of both commercial and specialized aviation. Its continued operation demonstrates the enduring value of adaptable aerospace platforms for future emergency response missions.
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Dimensions
- Length
- 70.6 metre
- Height
- 19.4 metre
Performance
- Range
- 6500 kilometre
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- Boeing
- Wikidata ID
- Q31197550