
CARGO SYSTEM
The 787-8 has forward- and aft-powered cargo compartments (see fig. 8), as well as a compartment for bulk cargo.
787-8 CARGO
CONFIGURATIONS
Figure 8

Standard lower lobe loaders can be used with pallets loaded with the 96-inch (244-centimeter) side through the door, similar to 777 airplanes. In order to properly align the last two containers on the loader, Boeing recommends the use of loaders with side-shift capability on the loader front platform (e.g., bridge).
The bulk cargo compartment has a volume of 402 cubic feet (11.38 cubic meters). Standard belt loaders with the capability to reach the cargo door sill height (see fig. 9) can be used on 787-8 airplanes.
RAMP SERVICING EQUIPMENT COMPARISON
Figure 9
AIRPLANE | 777-300ER | 787-8 | 767-300ER |
Ramp Equipment | ![]() |
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Maximum Designed Taxi Weight | 777,000 lb (352,441 kg) | 486,000 lb (220,446 kg) | 413,000 lb (187,334 kg) |
Tow Tractor | 54,390 lb (24,671 kg) drawbar pull | 34,020 lb (15,431 kg) drawbar pull | 24,780 lb (11,240 kg) drawbar pull |
Towbar* | ![]() 767 and 787 |
![]() 767 and 777 |
![]() 777 and 787 |
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Electrical Power | Two 90 KVA sources (two external receptacles) | Three 90 KVA sources (four external receptacles) | One 90 KVA source |
![]() (300 cm) |
![]() (274 cm) |
![]() (246 cm) |
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Lower Lobe Cargo Loader with side shift capability | Standard width loader (96 in + between
guides)
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Standard width loader (96 in +
between guides)
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Wide loader (125 in between guides)
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Bulk Cargo Loader | Standard belt loader
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Standard belt loader
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Standard belt loader
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Containers (basic) | Fwd lower lobe: 24 loading device 3, or 8 pallets (96 in x 125 in) | Fwd lower lobe: 16 loading device 3, or 5 pallets (96 in x 125 in) | Fwd lower lobe: 16 loading device 2, or 4 pallets (96 in x 125 in) |
Aft lower lobe: 20 loading device 3, or 6 pallets (96 in x 125 in) | Aft lower lobe: 12 loading device 3, or 4 pallets (96 in x 125 in) | Aft lower lobe: 14 loading device 2 | |
Fuel Truck | Total airplane fuel capacity: 47,890 U.S. gal (181,283 l) | Total airplane fuel capacity: 33,528 U.S. gal (126,917 l) | Total airplane fuel capacity: 24,140 U.S. gal (91,380 l) |
![]() 215 in (546 cm) |
![]() 210 in (533 cm) |
![]() 175 in (445 cm) |
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Air-Conditioning Truck ** | Two standard 8-in connector
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One standard 8-in connector
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One standard 8-in connector
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Air Start Cart *** | Three standard 3.5-in diameter connectors | N/A | Two standard 3.5-in diameter connectors |
![]() (259 cm) |
![]() (213 cm) |
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Potable Water Truck | One service panel
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One service panel
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Two service panels
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Lavatory Waste Truck | One aft service panel
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One aft service panel
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One aft service panel
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* Towbar designs vary among manufacturers.
** The size of the air-conditioning truck is dependent upon outside temperature, humidity, and cabin conditions (i.e., number of passengers, electrical load).
*** Air start requirements are dependent on ambient temperature and altitude. Please refer to the airplane’s Maintenance Facility and Equipment Planning Document (777 [D626W001] and 767 [D6-48646]).
WASTE SYSTEM
The 787-8 uses a vacuum waste system similar to the 767 and 777. A single aft servicing panel with standard connections is used to service the system. Servicing heights are minimum 107 inches (272 centimeters) and maximum 119 inches (302 centimeters).
At 430 U.S. gallons (1,628 liters), the 787 has a greater waste tank capacity than any other Boeing airplane because the drain masts have been deleted from the 787. All gray water drains into the waste tanks.
As a result, the service truck needs to accommodate the 430 U.S. gallons (1,628 liters) of waste and 100 U.S. gallons (379 liters) of flush water used to rinse waste tanks. (Some 10 to 50 U.S. gallons [38 to 189 liters] of water is used to rinse each tank during servicing.) If the tanks are full, a 530-U.S. gallon (2,006-liter) service truck is recommended. A lavatory service truck common to the 767 and 777 may be used.
POTABLE WATER SYSTEM
Potable water on the 787-8 is stored in unpressurized tanks located behind the bulk cargo compartment. Two 135-U.S. gallon (511-liter) tanks provide a total capacity of 270 U.S. gallons (1,020 liters). An ultraviolet water treatment system is provided in the water tank fill line. Water treatment takes place during upload of water into the airplane. Electric pumps provide water pressure. The basic configuration has a single servicing panel located just forward of the wing.
Potable water servicing trucks should have a tank capacity of 270 U.S. gallons (1,020 liters) with a water pressure of 30 psi. Servicing heights are minimum 76 inches (193 centimeters) and maximum 77 inches (196 centimeters). Trucks common with the 767 and 777 may be used.
AIR-CONDITIONING
To provide air-conditioning to the airplane from an external source, a 90-ton air-conditioning/heater unit is recommended. The 787-8 has one standard air-conditioning servicing connection with a minimum ground height of 71 inches (180 centimeters) and maximum ground height of 79 inches (201 centimeters). Trucks used to provide conditioned air to the 787-8 are common with the 767 and 777 airplanes.
SUMMARY
The majority of current ramp equipment for the 767 and 777 will service the 787-8. However, operators should be aware of these possible ground service equipment requirements:
- Additional GPUs may be needed for ground power and engine start.
- The 787-8 has a unique towbar shear pin.
- Newer cargo loaders with side-shift capability on the loader front platform (e.g., bridge) are recommended.
- Lavatory service truck capacity for 787 operations should be evaluated.
For more information, please contact Jo Fossen at jeonalyn.c.fossen@boeing.com.