Engines of the 747

I've just had a look at some pictures of 747s and can't notice any difference in the positioning of the engines

If there is a difference, the only reason I think it would be for is structural purposes and thrust efficiency purposes. If the engines further away are 'bent' a little inwards towards the fuselage then it provides greater thrust to a centralised point at the centre of the fuselage, rather than 4 different streams of 50000lbs of thrust which would seem more inefficient for moving an aircraft of that size 😉

i also can't see what you are talking about, is there a particular image that you could show us to demonstrate what you mean?

ok, check out this aircraft comparison model, and study the engines of the 747. (scroll a bit down to see it)

https://forum.flyawaysimulation.com/forum/topic/5851/worlds-biggest-plane/

It seems that the outer engines are bent inwards (to me it's quite clear), and it might seem that the inner engines also are bent a bit inwards, not sure about them though.

I'll try to get some better shots etc. if you can't see it!

i see what you mean here, but is that just a mistake in the picture?

it could be, but as I already said I have always thought the engines were a little bent because that's the way I've always seen it (after watching videos, flying in one myself, etc..) so I think it's less likely to be a coincidence.. but maybe it is

i really don't know, i'll pay special attention the next videos or pictures of 747's i see

I would say its just the picture. WIth all the layers on it, it can play tricks with your eyes, and the different angles of the wings will do that. The 747's engines are straight 🙂

On real world planes, it might also be the perspective of the swept back wing that makes the engines look out of place, because it isn't a straight line back; it is slightly curved 😉

POSKY never fails!

You'll notice in the last picture that the all 4 engines are slightly altered to face the fuselage. I still think that its so that there is a uniform point where the product of thrust meets - if that makes sense. I think it aids in acceleration. If you imagine the engines pointing out in the other direction, thrust would be away from the centre of the aircraft - the heaviest part needing most thrust - so more thrust would be needed to move the aircraft.

Hope that makes sense, and I'm only guessing 😉

Thanks Jon! I think I'll have to agree with your conclusion, it sure does sound pretty logical.