Boeing shows its colors

Boeing has unveiled a 747-8 Freighter painted in the livery of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks to urge the team on in the upcoming Super Bowl XLVIII this Sunday.

Boeing is a sponsor of the Seattle Seahawks and has partnered with the team for more than a decade on programs in the Puget Sound area.

"The Seahawks have been an inspiration to our entire community throughout this incredible season," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "We're honored that we could join together two Northwest icons, the Seahawks and the 747, for this special salute from the entire Boeing team."

This 747-8 is owned by Boeing and currently being used for flight testing. The special livery features the distinctive Seahawks logo and a "12" on the tail to salute the team's fans. The airplane will make its first flight in its new livery on Thurs, January 30.

And with such an event comes some fascinating comparison and stats.

One of the most fascinating - and believable for anyone who has been to a Sea Hawks game - is that the crowd noise from the Sea Hawks fans is an incredible 38 times louder than a 747 at take-off.

The other is that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson's longest pass this season, 80 yards (240 ft.), was almost the same length as a 747-8 fuselage (243.5 ft.)

"The 747 team is proud that one of our airplanes could be used as a tribute to the Seahawks' success this season and a rallying cry for the team as they prepare for the Super Bowl," said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager, 747 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"The partnerships we have with the Seahawks and others are making a positive difference in the communities where Boeing employees live and work. We join with all Seahawks fans in wishing the team success on Sunday."