The world's top 10 largest Cargo planes

Posted onĀ Jason CastleAviation

Around $6 trillion, which is equivalent to 35% of yearly world trade, is transported through air freight according to IATA. Every day, approximately 140,000 tons of air cargo and 20 million individual parcels are flown around the world. With a plethora of materials, goods, and packages constantly being moved across the air, trade like this often requires massive cargo planes to ensure the job can get done. In this blog, we will provide a brief overview of some of the largest and most popular cargo planes in operation, allowing you to be more familiar with such models and their capabilities.

Boeing 747-8F

In 2010, the first flight of the Boeing 747-8F was conducted. The aircraft model belongs to the 747-8 family of aircraft, the 8F simply being a freighter variation of the wide-body airliner. Equipped with General Electric GEnx turbofans, this cargo plane is highly sought after for its ability to support voluminous cargo through nose loading, making it one of the most popular commercial freighters in operation.
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 447,700 kg (987,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 132,600 kg (292,400 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 858 m³ (30,288 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 76.3 m (250 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 68.4 m (224 ft 7 in)
  • Range: 7,630 km (4,120 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.74 (914 km/h, 494 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial Freighter

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

The United States Air Force owns the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy family, that of which was produced in 1968. With 131 aircraft built, this model has played a significant role in major conflicts such as Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and it continues to operate today. While being intended for military operations, the C-5 Galaxy still plays a freighter role, as it is designed to store and transport large amounts of cargo that may be used for defense purposes or applications.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 417,305 kg (920,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 127,459 kg (281,000 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 880 m³ (31,000 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 75.31 m (247 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 67.89 m (222 ft 9 in)
  • Range: 11,705 km (6,320 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.7 (869 km/h, 469 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Military Transporter/Freighter

Boeing 747-400ERF

The Boeing 747-400ERF is a member of the popular 747-400 family, and it is a fairly sizable cargo aircraft that is used by a variety of commercial companies. The ERF, which stands for "Extended Range Freighter," was first introduced in 2002, the initial delivery going to Air France. With most of its space being reserved for cargo, the Boeing 747 has enough space for up to two crew members total.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 412,769 kg (910,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 124,012 kg (273,400 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 779 m³ (27,467 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 70.66 m (231 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 64.44 m (211 ft 5 in)
  • Range: 9,230 km (4,985 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.85 (498 kn; 922 km/h)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial Freighter

Boeing 747-200F

In 1972, Lufthansa introduced the Boeing 747-200F which was well-known for its hinged nose cargo door that can be beneficial for easily loading goods and items onto the aircraft. The letter "F" in the model name denotes that it is the "freighter" variant of the family, as is typical with Boeing aircraft. As of the present, only a small number of Boeing 747-200F remain in operation.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 396,900 kg (875,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 100,000 kg (220,463 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 605 m³ (21,365 (ft³)
  • Overall Length: 70.70 m (232 ft)
  • Wingspan: 64,40 m (211 ft)
  • Range: 11,380 km (6,145 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.73 (895 km/h, 483 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial Freighter

Boeing 747-400F

The Boeing 747-400F is the all-freight version of the 747-400, and it is a model that is popularly used by a wide variety of carrier companies. The 747-400F was manufactured between the years of 1993 to 2009, with its average price sitting around $268 million. Over the years of production, a total of 126 units were delivered to various airlines.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 396,893 kg (875,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 124,330 kg (274,100 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 714 m³ (25,200 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 70.66 m (231 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 64.44 m (211 ft 5 in)
  • Range: 8,250 km (4,455 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.845 (922 km/h, 498 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial Freighter

Boeing 747-300SF

The Boeing 747-300SF is considered a fairly distinct aircraft model, the "SF" acronym in the model name standing for "Special Freighter". Really, the SF is a repurposed airliner that has been altered to allow for a large quantity of cargo to be stored on board. These days, SFs are referred to as "Boeing Converted Freighters" or "BCFs." The 300SF model gained popularity in the 1980s and was renowned for its cost-effectiveness in operations, saving operators money over time.

  •  Maximum Takeoff Weight: 377,800 kg (832,906 lbs)
  • Payload: 106,000 kg (233,689 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 704.6 m³ (24,885 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 70.66 m (232 ft)
  • Wingspan: 59.64 m (195 ft 3 in)
  • Range: 11,723 km (6,330 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.72 (893 km/h, 482 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial Freighter

Boeing Dreamlifter

First introduced in 2007, the Boeing Dreamlifter is a modified version of the iconic 747-400 aircraft, also known as the "queen of the skies." With only 4 planes ever built for this freighter model, the Dreamlifter continues to operate to this day, mainly serving the purpose of transporting large Boeing components, such as fuselages, between production sites. In fact, the Dreamlifter is actually considered the second most voluminous cargo plane, only being beaten out by the Airbus Beluga XL.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 364,235 kg (803,001 lbs)
  • Payload: 113,400 kg (250,000 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 1,840 m³ (65,000 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 71.68 m (235 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 64.4 m (211 ft 5 in)
  • Range: 7,800 km (4,212 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.82 (474 kn, 878 km/h)
  • Aircraft Type: Dedicated Boeing Freighter

Boeing 777F

The Boeing 777F is a cargo plane that is based on the 777-200LR, and it shares several features with its predecessor including its fuselage, length, and wingspan. Despite being introduced back in 2009, the 777F remains a widely used commercial freighter model today, serving airlines like Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, and many others. With its general capabilities, the 777F is a popular choice for medium and long-haul flights.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 347,452 kg (766,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 103,000 kg (227,076 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 653 m³ (23,051 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 63.73 m (209 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 64.80 m (212 ft 7 in)
  • Range: 9,038 km (4,880 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.84 (905 km/h, 490 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Commercial

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is another Boeing freighter model that makes the list, the aircraft having been developed in partnership with McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 Globemaster is a military transport aircraft primarily designed for the transportation of troops and cargo for the United States Air Force. While having its maiden flight in 1991, C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are continually being produced as they reliably serve the Air Force for their needs.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 265,352 kg (585,000 lbs)
  • Payload: 77,519 kg (170,900 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 583 m³ (20,592 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 53.04 m (174 feet)
  • Wingspan: 51.75 m (169 ft 10 in)
  • Range: 4,444 km (2,400 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.74 (914 km/h, 493 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Military Transporter/Freighter

Airbus Beluga XL

The Airbus Beluga XL is named after its massive size and its resemblance to the real beluga whale of the ocean. The model was developed by Airbus in 2016 and is still used today for transporting Airbus components, including fuselages, between multiple production sites. As of now, a total of five Beluga XLs are in operation. With this general set of capabilities, the Beluga XL is quite comparable in use to the Boeing Dreamlifter, mainly being set apart by its increased space.

  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 227,000 kg (500,449 lbs)
  • Payload: 50,500 kg (111,333 lbs)
  • Cargo Hold: 2,209 m³ (78,000 ft³)
  • Overall Length: 63.1 m (207 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 60.3 m (197 ft 10 in)
  • Range: 4,300 km (2,600 mi, 2,300 nmi)
  • Cruise Speed: Mach 0.69 (737 km/h, 398 kn)
  • Aircraft Type: Dedicated Airbus Freighter

Conclusion

If you operate cargo aircraft or are simply in search of dependable freighter components, ASAP Logistics Solutions is your go-to destination for all your aircraft part needs. As a reputable supplier with an unwavering dedication to quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation. Explore our expansive part catalog as you see fit, and be sure to utilize our online RFQ service to quickly and easily request quotes on any items of interest that you come across. Once we have a chance to receive and review your provided information, a member of our staff will contact you in 15 minutes or less to present a tailored solution for your comparisons. Get started today and see why so many customers choose ASAP Logistics Solutions for their operational needs!