Boeing Pelican

Infobox Aircraft
name = Pelican ULTRA
type = Outsize cargo ground effect freight aircraft
manufacturer = Boeing Phantom Works



caption = Artist's conception of the Pelican
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status = Concept only
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The Boeing Pelican ULTRA (Ultra Large Transport Aircraft) is a proposed ground effect airplane 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 (152.4 metres), a cargo capacity of 1,400 tons (1273 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 20-50 ft (6-15 metres) over water, though it would also be capable of overland flight at a higher altitude but lesser range. It would operate from conventional runways, with its weight distributed over 38 fuselage-mounted landing gears with 76 wheels.

Variants

The proposal for the Pelican includes both military and civilian uses, suggesting that there may be at least two variants of the craft.

Operators

Potential users include the United States Air Force, allied air forces, and civilian shipping companies.

pecifications

aircraft specifications

length main= 400 ft
length alt= 122 m
span main= 500 ft
span alt= 152 m
height main= 18.3 feet
height alt= ?

useful load main= 2,800,000 lb (1400 tons)
useful load alt= 1,272,727 kg (1273 metric tonnes)
useful load 1253 imperial tons

armament=

cruise speed main= 220 Mph (350 Km/h)

ee also

aircontent
related=

similar aircraft=
* Beriev Be-2500
* A-90 Orlyonok
* Lun-class ekranoplan

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see also=
* Ekranoplan

External links

* [http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2002/september/i_pw.html The Pelican] "Boeing Frontiers" online magazine
* [http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0009BE70-3911-1E28-8B3B809EC588EEDF Scientific American: "Future Combat, Part 2 - Gigantic Pelican"]