YAL-1A Airborne Laser
The YAL-1A Airborne Laser prototype in flight.
The YAL-1A in flight. The laser itself filled much of the main deck — the chemical modules that generated the beam occupied the space cargo pallets would normally use.
The programme was cancelled in December 2011 and the aircraft scrapped in 2014, not because the laser failed but because its range required orbiting near hostile airspace. More on the YAL-1.
More in Photo Album
Photo Album
Photographs of every major Boeing 747 variant and special-mission jumbo — airline service, freight, Air Force One, the Dreamlifter and SOFIA.
Boeing 747-8 Photos
The Boeing 747-8 in pictures — wing assembly, final construction, paint hangar roll-out, first flight and airline service.
747-400 Cargo
Japan Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F JA401J photographed on the ramp, showing the freighter's raised flight deck and nose door.
747-400D (Japan Airlines)
A Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400D, the high-density domestic variant built without the winglets fitted to other 747-400s.
747-8 Berths
Optional crew rest berths offered on the 747-8, tucked into the upper area of the cabin for long-haul operations.
747-8-Intercontinental forward fuselage
The first forward fuselage section of the 747-8 Intercontinental, delivered to Everett for final assembly.