Q, You would probably be able to explain this best. What is the purpose of this 744 configuration?http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0289429/L/Ryan GamurotLucky to live Hawai'ihttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg

It is called a fith pod. It is used to transport engines from place to place. It sits inbd of the No.2 engine. To my knowledge only RR powered 747's have this capability. There are a series of requirements to be met and one of them is a selection on the FMC to ensure correct performance data.

This transport method is not our first choice, but it can be done if we are desperate (It's not an easy task).Haven't done it personally, but it involves...Fitting a mounting strutRemoving the L.P. compressor rotor blades (fan blades).Removing the compressor splitter fairingRemoving the hydraulic pumpInstalling an air deflector over the compressor inlet (which reduces buffetting, prevents ice buildup on the outlet guide vanes and regulates airflow so that the core windmills at a lower speed). This is seen in the photo (looks like a large doughnut)Installing nose cowl inlet extensions (see straps on photo) to reduce dragOptionally installing a deflector plug which stops all air going into the gas generator (core) to prevent all the rotors turning.Also, there is a switch in the Main Equipment Centre which modifies the Vmo curves in the Air Data Computers (speed limit is lower).Hope this helps.Cheers.Q>

It must be a really bad emergancy to transport engines like this. It also sounds like it would take quite a bit of time from prepping the engine at departure to installing the engine at the destination. Despite the fact that there would be less room, can the engine be placed inside the cargo hold if the flight didn't carry much cargo? I mean just the engine, not the casing.Ryan GamurotLucky to live Hawai'ihttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/supporter.jpg

It's much easier to ship it on a Combi or Freighter, Ryan. I'm not even sure removing the casing is an option (might involve total disassembly... It would probably take days rather than hours). With the cowls intact, it is still a tight squeeze on a Combi. I recall it has to be put in the side door at an angle.Cheers.Q>

It really depends on the delivery options available. If you have an aircraft on the ground and you need an engine then maybe it is viable.