Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
13.3.1 Relevant Airplane Models
Civil and military aviation consists of a multitude of different aircraft models
which pose very different threats with respect to the case of a deliberate forced
crash into a nuclear facility. With regard to this problem the first step is to collect
the necessary data for the different aircraft types. An emphasis was put on passen-
ger aircraft which are currently in service in large numbers. In addition, military
aircraft are not considered for the case of a deliberate crash.
Even though many aircraft models are used in civilian aviation it is possible to
limit the types with respect to their threat potential to a few which are considered
relevant. Due to the similarities between the aircraft it is possible to concentrate the
analysis on the representative large manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. Several
examples of typical aircraft models are presented below.
13.3.1.1 Boeing 747
The Boeing 747, also known as the “Jumbo Jet,” was for years the largest passenger
aircraft used in commercial aviation (cf. Fig.
13.4
). Since its first flight in 1969 over
1,400 airplanes of this model have been produced, many of them are still in service
worldwide to this day. With a carrying capacity of 300-500 passengers it has to be
considered as a possible instrument of terrorist activity. The B747 exists in different
configurations. The maximum take-off weight of the version B747-400 is approx.
395 t. The length is approx. 71 m and the wingspan 64.5 m. The Boeing 747 has
approx. 170 t of kerosene on board at take-off, of which one third each is stored in
the two wing tanks and in the center tank. This corresponds to a volume of about
220,000 l. Due to the prevalence and the fact that the dimensions and weight
represent the upper boundaries of commercial aircraft, the Boeing 747 is considered
a relevant aircraft model with threat potential.
13.3.1.2 Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is a long-range aircraft with a length between 64 and 74 m and a
wingspan between 61 and 65 m. The maximum take-off weight amounts to 250-
340 t. The weight share of kerosine amounts to a maximum of just under 150 t.
Commissioned in 1995, the Boeing 777 was developed to accommodate the wish
for an aircraft with a capacity between the Boeing 767 and 747. It possesses a
seating capacity of between 300 and 550 passengers.
The Boeing 777 is constructed as an aircraft with only two jet engines. To be
licensed for transatlantic flights, it had to comply with higher reliability require-
ments. In the case of the failure of one engine, the continuation of the flight has to be
assured for 3 h. The engines used are therefore some of the strongest that have ever
been used in aircraft. In comparison, the outer diameter of the engines is nearly as
