Archive for Cargo Aircraft

The Shorts 360 handles the smallest end of Los Angeles air freight, moving palletized loads on short regional sectors out of Ontario or LAX. A boxy, unpressurized turboprop freighter built for volume rather than speed. Short Brothers built the 360 as a stretched regional turboprop with a square-section fuselage, and the freighter versions exploit thatRead the Rest “Shorts 360”

The Saab 340 freighter covers regional cargo runs out of Los Angeles where speed matters more than volume. A pressurized twin turboprop, quicker than the boxy freighters and better suited to time-sensitive loads. Saab built the 340 as a pressurized regional airliner and freighter conversions are common. Two General Electric CT7 turboprops, a cruise aroundRead the Rest “Saab 340”

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F is a three-engine wide-body freighter still working long-haul Los Angeles cargo. Large main deck, long range, and a cost structure that reflects its age rather than its capability. McDonnell Douglas built the MD-11 as a three-engine long-haul wide-body, and the freighter version has outlasted the passenger variant substantially. A large main-deckRead the Rest “McDonnell Douglas MD-11F”

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules does the Los Angeles cargo jobs no airliner-derived freighter can touch. A rear ramp, short and unpaved field ability, and a tolerance for destinations without cargo handling equipment. Lockheed has built the C-130 since the 1950s and civil L-100 variants operate commercially. Four turboprops, a rear loading ramp, a high wingRead the Rest “Lockheed C-130 Hercules”

The Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia freighter is a fast regional turboprop working short Los Angeles cargo sectors. Pressurized, quick and efficient on the runs that do not justify a jet freighter. Embraer built the EMB-120 Brasilia as a 30-seat pressurized regional airliner, and freighter conversions are widespread. Two Pratt and Whitney PW118 turboprops, a cruise aroundRead the Rest “Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia”

The Boeing 777 Freighter is the most efficient long-haul freighter flying, and out of Los Angeles it is the aircraft that takes a full load to Asia or Europe nonstop. Two engines, wide-body capacity and the longest range of any twin freighter. Boeing built the 777F as a factory freighter on the 777-200LR airframe, withRead the Rest “Boeing 777 Freighter”

The Boeing 767 Freighter is the entry point into wide-body air cargo out of Los Angeles. Containerized lower-deck loading plus a full main deck, and the range to reach Asia or Europe with a stop. Boeing built the 767 as a twin-aisle wide-body and both factory freighters and passenger conversions are in wide service. ARead the Rest “Boeing 767 Freighter”

The Boeing 757 Freighter combines narrow-body economics with wide-body reach, and out of Los Angeles that is a rare and useful combination. High thrust, transcontinental range and a full main deck of pallets. Boeing built the 757 with an unusually high thrust-to-weight ratio, and freighter conversions retain it. Two Rolls-Royce or Pratt and Whitney engines,Read the Rest “Boeing 757 Freighter”

The Boeing 747-8F is the largest and most capable freighter Boeing built, and out of Los Angeles it is the top of the commercial air-cargo market. A stretched main deck, new engines and the nose door the type is known for. Boeing stretched the 747-400F and fitted GEnx-2B engines and a new wing to createRead the Rest “Boeing 747-8F”

The Boeing 747-400F is the classic long-haul freighter and still one of the highest-capacity aircraft available out of Los Angeles. Four engines, an enormous main deck, and on nose-door aircraft the ability to load freight nothing else will take. Boeing built the 747-400F as a factory freighter with a main-deck side door and, on manyRead the Rest “Boeing 747-400F”