IAI performs the first cut of a Boeing 777-300ER in its fuselage for what will be the conversion to freighter. The Israeli company estimates that the process will take a total time of four months for the aforementioned aircraft.
Our partner site Aeroin points out that this is the conversion from passenger to freighter of the world’s largest twin-engine aircraft. That is why the model is referred to as «Big Twin». Technically, it will carry the name Boeing 777-300ERSF.
Image: IAIThe segment that was cut to incorporate the cargo door is 7 meters long and one third of the fuselage circumference. Besides the addition of the cargo door, the cabin floor structure will be changed, reinforcements will be installed in the area surrounding the new door and the electrical network will be adapted, among other adaptations.
Israel Aerospace Industries emphasizes the decades of experience in conversion engineering, which is qualified as one of the most advanced in the world.
Finally, Big Twin awaits certification of the conversion from passenger to cargo aircraft by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the FAA.
«Completing the conversion of the B777-300ER on time and according to the planned schedule is one of Aviation Group’s top priorities. Today, we mark a very exciting step in the conversion of the prototype», said Yossi Melamed, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Aviation Group division.
«Cutting the aircraft fuselage for the new cargo door is an excellent example of IAI’s cargo conversions, which significantly moves forward our development process for this conversion. This step will allow us, in the near future and with even stronger confidence, to establish more conversion lines around the world to service the dozens of existing orders and many more orders to come» he added.
