Boeing 747-400LCF Dreamlifter (foreground); Boeing 747-400 (background, likely)

22 Feb 2026 · © R_Nelson

The Dreamlifter is based on the 747-400 platform, is recognized by its massively enlarged fuselage, and is one of the largest cargo aircraft on earth. Both aircraft in the photograph are widebody Boeing 747s. Capturing both in the same shot is very rare.

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Aircraft

747-400LCF Dreamlifter (foreground); Boeing 747-400 (background, likely) B74F (foreground, Dreamlifter); likely B744 (background landing aircraft)

Boeing Dreamlifter (foreground); unknown for background

Airline

Atlas Air (operated for Boeing Dreamlifter fleet)

GTI / 5Y

Manufacturer

Boeing

Insights

Aviation History

The Boeing 747-400LCF 'Dreamlifter' is a unique outsized cargo conversion of the 747-400 used by Boeing to transport large aircraft components, especially for the 787 Dreamliner program. Only 4 Dreamlifters were built, making it one of the rarest 747 variants.

Fleet Rarity

Only 4 Dreamlifters exist in the world, operated by Atlas Air for Boeing.

Record Flights

Has performed record-breaking size cargo flights. Dreamlifter is known for outsized parts transfer between countries.

Safety & Events

In 2013, a Dreamlifter accidentally landed at the wrong airport (Jabara Airport, Kansas, instead of McConnell Air Force Base).

Future Outlook

Dreamlifter fleet is still active as of early 2020s; long-term fate tied to Boeing production logistics.

Specifications

General Electric CF6-80C2B5F, Pratt & Whitney PW4056, or Rolls-Royce RB211-524G/H (747-400 family)

Engine

64.4 meters (211 ft 5 in)

Wingspan

70.6 meters (231 ft 10 in for 747-400LCF); 70.7 meters (231 ft 10 in for 747-400)

Length

4,200 km (2,600 mi, 2,300 nmi) for 747-400LCF; up to 13,490 km for standard 747-400

Range

907 km/h (564 mph, Mach 0.85)

Speed

747-400LCF: up to 113,000 kg (249,000 lb) cargo; 747-400 Pax: up to 660 passengers (1-class), 416 (typical 3-class)

Capacity

364,235 kg (803,000 lb) for 747-400LCF

MTOW

21.5 meters (70 ft 6 in)

Height

Up to 276.5 kN (62,100 lbf) per engine

Thrust

Approaches ICAO Chapter 3/4 noise standards (~89-105 EPNdB); varies by model and configuration

Noise

The registration marks are not visible, but the Dreamlifter identification is clear from livery and structure.