Boeing 747-400BDSF
Israel Aerospace Industries · Israel · first flew 2005 · transport aircraft
Variant of the Boeing 747-400 — family overview.
The Boeing 747-400BDSF is a passenger-to-freighter conversion of the 747-400 performed by Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek Aviation Group, enabling continued economic operation of retired airline aircraft in the cargo role.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 70.66 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Passenger 747-400 converted to freighter by IAI Bedek Aviation Group
- BDSF = Bedek Special Freighter — large main-deck cargo door added
- Nose cargo door retained from 747-400 combi or added in conversion
Indistinguishable from any other 747-400 freighter in flight — four-engine jumbo jet with distinctive hump upper deck; identified as a converted aircraft by the absence of passenger windows on the main deck and the cargo door configuration.
Specifications
- The Boeing 747-400BDSF has a length of 70.66 m (232 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 64.44 m (211 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 988 km/h (614 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
IAI's Bedek division developed the 747-400BDSF conversion programme in the early 2000s as a cost-effective alternative to new freighters, converting surplus passenger 747-400s with a main-deck cargo door and structural reinforcement. The programme has converted aircraft for numerous cargo operators worldwide.
Variants
The BDSF conversion is one of several 747-400 freighter conversions available; Boeing offers its own 747-400BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), and other MRO providers offer competing conversion programmes.
Where you'll see it
Operated by cargo carriers worldwide including Atlas Air and other freight operators; provides lower acquisition cost than new 747-400F aircraft with similar payload capability.
Related aircraft
- Boeing 747-400
- Boeing 747-100
- Boeing 747-200
- Boeing 747-300
- Boeing 747SP
- Boeing 747 Large Cargo Freighter (Dreamlifter)
- IAI I-View
- IAI Eitan
- Boeing 767-200BDSF
- IAI Ghost
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