Large parts fall from an Iranian 747 just after takeoff.

[Trevatanus]

http://news.sky.com/story/1570057/part-of-planes-e...

I'm surprised that there are 747's flying in Iran.
Damn sure I wouldn't want to fly on one!

[tim0409]

Trevatanus said:

http://news.sky.com/story/1570057/part-of-planes-e...

I'm surprised that there are 747's flying in Iran.
Damn sure I wouldn't want to fly on one!

I know this isn't an Iran Air plane but I used to live in Iran when I was young and there was always 747's around; my favourite is the 747SP which I've seen at Heathrow a number of times although I'm not sure if it's still in operation - it must be getting on by now...

[Silent1]

They also operate the worlds only 747 tanker.

[HoHoHo]

tim0409 said:

Trevatanus said:

http://news.sky.com/story/1570057/part-of-planes-e...

I'm surprised that there are 747's flying in Iran.
Damn sure I wouldn't want to fly on one!

I know this isn't an Iran Air plane but I used to live in Iran when I was young and there was always 747's around; my favourite is the 747SP which I've seen at Heathrow a number of times although I'm not sure if it's still in operation - it must be getting on by now...

I lived in Iran up to the revolution and have been on a number of Iran Air 747's going to and from school in the UK.

One memorable flight ended as we pushed back from the stand in Germany (Frankfurt from memory) and an engine decided to drop slightly from the wing.

End of that flight

My last flight was on a BA 707 out of Merhrabad airport during the revolution and having to land rather quickly in Kuwait due to a technical problem which started with a loud bang on take off and some serious vibrations during the brief flight. Couldn't have been that bad, we were on our way again after a 12 hour stop over.

[J4CKO]

doogz said:

Still a few in service.

I think it's strange how they look good, even compared to a regular 747, which to my eyes is perfectly proportioned.

Yet the A380 looks dumpy and short.

Agree, I love the SP and the 747 in general, the normal ones are so elegant but like you say, the 380, though it is more advanced in every way and very very impressive just looks like a bit of a fat dollop in comparison, there is a majesty and dignity that the 747 has that the 380 cant quite match, saying that I always watch when ones goes over.

[S3_Graham]

strange that isnt it. id agree entirely. 747 has an aura around it but 380 just seems like a bus. impressive as it is.

[Eric Mc]

I think the 380 is a rather dumpy looking pig of a plane. It'll look a bit better if and when we get some stretched variants.

[Trevatanus]

Eric Mc said:

I think the 380 is a rather dumpy looking pig of a plane. It'll look a bit better if and when we get some stretched variants.

I think the "if" is rather more likely Eric sadly.

[AlexIT]

Considering these planes must be more than 35 years old, I think it's quite an achievement that only parts fell off... Would be interesting to know when Boeing and the Engine manufacturer have last supplied original spare parts.

Thinking about it, is Iran still operating its F-14?

[cirian75]

Yup, and all the US Navy ones, bar the display planes all got destroyed on the grounds of making sure Iran could not get the parts.


Nothing to do with the politician responsible being from the same state where the F18 super hornets are made, honest

[AlexIT]

cirian75 said:

Nothing to do with the politician responsible being from the same state where the F18 super hornets are made, honest

Come on, in the US they don't do that...


How do they keep them in fly-worthy conditions? have they made tooling to manufacture replacements?

[cirian75]

Iran is pretty advanced now, keeping a mid 70s fighter running is well with in their capabilities.

they can make the airframe parts, and many 3rd party non US 3rd gen fighter parts are compatible.

It's the engines they will have issues with.