Design

Ultimately, the high-winged CX-HLS Boeing design was not used for the 747, although technologies developed for their bid had an influence.The original design included a full-length double-deck fuselage with eight-across seating and two aisles on the lower deck and seven-across seating and two aisles on the upper deck. In early models it was not clear what to do with the small space in the pod behind the cockpit, and this was initially specified as a “lounge” area with no permanent seating.One of the principal technologies that enabled an aircraft as large as the 747 to be drawn up was the high-bypass turbofan engine. The project was designed with a new methodology called fault tree analysis. Additionally, some of the most advanced high-lift devices used in the industry were included in the new design, to allow it to operate from existing airports.Boeing agreed to deliver the first 747 to Pan Am by the end of 1969.The schedule was so fast-paced that the people who worked on it were given the nickname “The Incredibles”.  Developing the aircraft was such a technical and financial challenge that management was said to have “bet the company” when it started the project.To address concerns about safety and flyability, the 747’s design included structural redundancy, redundant hydraulic systems, quadruple main landing gear and dual control surfaces.