Can a Boeing 747 fly with one engine?
The 747 is certified under ETOPS and multi engine failure standards. If it loses an engine or even 3, it’s designed to stay airborne safely. But not forever. A 747 ‘works’ best with all 4 engines functioning. It can fly with any number of them having failed, including ALL of them. With all engines ‘out’, it becomes a glider, like all other aircraft. The best glide with the aircraft trimmed for lowest drag gives typically a 20:1 glide ratio vs altitude.
Can a 747 climb on two engines?
The 747’s wing was made to suspend 4 medium weight engines at 4 points rather than 2 heavy weight engines at 2 points. A 747 with only 2 engines would need a new wing. There isn’t room on the 747 for larger engines. Look how close the engines are to the ground. Surprisingly, the 777-300ER is longer and wider than the 747-400, measuring 73. However, the 747-400 has a taller profile at 19.The 777–9X fuselage is longer and its wing span is greater than the 747–8, so in these regards, it is larger. You’re correct that the 747–8 is heavier and carries more passengers. From an airlines perspective though, the 777–9X has a better payload range than the 747–8.The Verdict In terms of physical size, the 747 is larger overall, with a longer fuselage, greater wingspan, and towering height.