Boeing 747-200 Evergreen International Airlines Supertanker

General Product Description

Our PlaneArts Boeing 747-200 Evergreen International Airlines Supertanker model exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual plane. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The Boeing 747-200 Evergreen International Airlines Supertanker model is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can, however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid aircraft collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual aircraft.

If you require we can also make the Boeing 747-200 Evergreen International Airlines Supertanker model in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

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The Evergreen Supertanker: Boeing 747-200’s Remarkable Transformation into a Firefighting Leviathan

In the annals of aviation history, the Boeing 747 has secured its place as an icon of the skies. Known for its considerable size, range, and capacity, the 747 has served in numerous roles since its inception—from passenger and cargo transport to specialized tasks such as the NASA Shuttle Carrier. However, one of the most fascinating transformations of this iconic aircraft was its conversion into the Evergreen Supertanker by Evergreen International Airlines. This adaptation not only showcased the 747’s versatility but also marked a significant leap in aerial firefighting technology.

Origins and Development:

The Evergreen Supertanker began as a Boeing 747-200, a variant of the jumbo jet known for its robust performance and reliability. Evergreen International Airlines, an Oregon-based aviation services company, embarked on this ambitious project to create the world’s largest aerial firefighting aircraft. The concept was not merely an innovative adaptation but a response to the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires around the globe.

Key Features of the Evergreen Supertanker:

• Massive Capacity: The Supertanker’s most notable feature is its colossal water or retardant carrying capacity. Capable of holding over 20,000 gallons (approximately 75,700 liters), the aircraft can lay down a swath of fire retardant up to 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long and up to 150 feet (46 meters) wide in a single drop. This capacity dwarfs that of most other firefighting aircraft, making it an invaluable asset in battling large-scale fires.
• Versatility in Operations: The Supertanker was engineered to disperse water, retardant, or a mixture of both, allowing for versatile responses to different types of fires and situations. Its delivery system was designed for variable drop patterns, providing the flexibility needed for precision in firefighting operations.
• High-Speed and Long-Range Capabilities: Retaining the Boeing 747-200’s inherent long-range and high-speed capabilities, the Supertanker can be dispatched quickly to fire zones across continents, arriving faster than most firefighting aircraft. This rapid response capability is critical in the early containment of fires.
• Retrofitting and Technology: The conversion of the 747-200 into a firefighting Supertanker involved extensive modifications. These included reinforcing the airframe, installing a pressurized liquid drop system, and equipping the aircraft with advanced navigation and drop control technology to ensure accuracy and efficiency in firefighting operations.

Operational Impact and Legacy:

The Evergreen Supertanker represented a significant advancement in aerial firefighting, providing firefighters with a powerful tool to combat wildfires. Its ability to drop large volumes of retardant in a single pass can slow the spread of fires considerably, protecting lives, property, and natural resources.

While Evergreen International Airlines ceased operations, the legacy of the Supertanker lives on. The concept of using large, converted aircraft for firefighting has gained traction, with other companies and agencies exploring similar adaptations of jumbo jets.

Conclusion:

The Boeing 747-200 Evergreen International Airlines Supertanker stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the adaptability of technology. By repurposing one of the world’s most recognized airliners into a behemoth of firefighting, Evergreen International Airlines demonstrated the potential to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges. The Supertanker not only highlights the innovative use of existing technologies but also serves as an inspiration for future advancements in the ongoing battle against wildfires.

*All Boeing models are made under license by our sister company