Tech Notes; A Flying Whale of an Idea -- Its Name Is Hydro 2000
By LAWRENCE M. FISHER
Published: October 28, 1990
A FRENCH group is encouraging international aerospace companies to develop a huge cargo seaplane to be called Hydro 2000. The plane would be about 330 feet long, with a projected payload of 880,000 pounds. By comparison, the Boeing Company's largest freighter, the B-747-200, is just 231 feet long, with a typical payload of about 250,000 pounds.
The French group, headed by Vice Admiral Yves Goupil, the French Navy's vice chief of operations, perceives the need for such a large, all-cargo aircraft to handle the continued growth in freight projected for the next century.
Designed for sea-based operations only, the plane would need no landing gear, and would be able to operate away from congested airports. Seaports already have the cargo infrastructure to handle large loads.
Despite its immense bulk, the Hydro 2000 would require no new technology in its airframe, flight control systems or engines. It would, however, require no less than eight of the largest turbofan engines currently available, but this could be reduced to six as larger powerplants are developed. The size of the project, of course, means it would be beyond the means of any single aerospace company. Therefore, the group is hoping to interest a multinational consortium.
ption GE90,RR Trent 211-52 and PW 4087 engines.[/quote]
