How many of you think this will happen? It seems like you could take some of the erjs after the airlines are done with them and turn them into cargo planes and be feeders for fedex or ups. Just food for though i am just curious if this might happen in the future.
WheramI wasn't saying the ERJ won't last because it's aluminum, he's saying it's cheaply built. I've never really looked at the construction of an ERJ, so perhaps they'll last, perhaps they won't. Time will tell.
Metros, ATR, BEECH 1900, there are quite a few airplanes that have made the leap over. Who knows it was just a thought. I think it could happen. It would have something like 10000 to 15000 lbs payload if it was converted i dont know what a typical cargo plane carries. Someone throw out some typical payload #s for light cargo plane.
The problem with the ERJ's though is that the fuselage diameter is too small to take a standard container. I really doubt that a cargo company is gonna pay for all the STC's, the conversion, big door, etc. just to bulk load it.
Playing Devil's advocate here, but isn't the ERJ fuselage the same diameter as the E-120, just stretched out? seems like a plausible but maybe not practical idea to me. I suppose it all depends on the cost of operation as the airframe ages further. With fuel prices being high and likely continuing to be that way, lift in larger turbo-props like the e-120, saab 340, and ATR's (see fedex) may be in the near-er future.
passenger airline pilot union scope usually forbid airplanes that carry in excess of a certain # of pax.
same scope issues at a cargo operator, however, the scope will usually forbid the company using an operator/aircraft that can contain a ULD, igloo, whatever you want to call it.
brown used to load the E-120 through the rear cargo door, box by box. took'em 2-3 hours a day to load the entire cargo hold. also, if your haulin' freight under 135 rules, your limited to 7500lbs.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.