Boeing Pelican
| Pelican ULTRA | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Boeing image of the proposed Pelican | |
| Role | Outsize cargo ground effect freight aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Phantom Works |
| Status | Concept only |
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| |
The Boeing Pelican ULTRA (Ultra Large TRansport Aircraft) was a proposed ground effect fixed-wing aircraft under study by Boeing Phantom Works.
Development
Intended as a large-capacity transport craft for military or civilian use, it would have a wingspan of 500 feet (150 m), a cargo capacity of 1,400 tons (1,300 metric tonnes), and a range of about 10,000 nautical miles (18,000 km). Powered by four turboprop engines, its main mode would be to fly in ground effect 20–50 ft (6–15 m) over water, though it would also be capable of overland flight at an altitude as high as 20,000 ft (6,100 m) albeit with a decreased range of about 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km). It would operate from conventional runways, with its weight distributed over 38 fuselage-mounted landing gears with 76 wheels. There has not been any further information about this concept since 2002.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Length: 400 ft (122 m)
- Wingspan: 500 ft [1] (152 m)
- Height: 18.3 ft (fuselage bay interior) (6 m)
- Wing area: > 43,000 ft2 (>4,000 m2 [2])
- Useful load: 2,800,000 lb (1,400 tons) (1,272,727 kg (1,273 metric tonnes))
- Powerplant: 4 × turboprops, 80,000 hp[1] (59,656 kW) each
Performance
- Cruise speed: 240 kts in ground effect (445 km/h)
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
References
External links
- The Pelican Boeing Frontiers online magazine
- Scientific American: Future Combat, Part 2 - Gigantic Pelican