747-8

[Nexus]

This might be true but other aircraft manufacturers do the same thing. Consequently any technological improvements are available to everyone.

But you have to keep in mind that the actual aircraft itself has to be designed with these new technologies in mind. And no company has ever done this before, that's why Boeing's design is such a feat. I mean we're talking about electric being responsible for landing gear deployment and even the brakes! Now that's a radical design that deserve some credit.

[elite marksman]

I'd say that its a hell of a lot prettier than the 744, with the wings and everything. My only question is that if they were able to fly a 747 on one of those 113" monsters, why does the 748 still need 4 engines, seems like it would be more fuel efficeint than 4 of the current engines. I know the wings would have to be redesigned to support the extra wheight, but whats a few million to a company who's about to use probably about a quater less fuel per flight?

[Nexus]

Marksman, think about it.
A fully loaded 747 is a WHOLE lot heaver than the 777 or 787, so it would still need more engines than two  :)