Posted on 03/15/2005 5:33:30 PM PST by Paleo Conservative
In keeping with its 7-Series tradition, Boeing has given its mid-sized 7E7 jetliner the official model designation number of 787, and the name Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Able to seat 200 to 300 passengers, the twin-aisle aircraft reportedly will use 20 percent less fuel compared to a plane of comparable size.
Boeing also announced that it has completed the 787's first full-scale, one-piece fuselage section, demonstrating concepts for production scheduled to begin next year. The first major 787 structure to reach this stage of development, the 7m/22-ft long, 6m/19-ft wide fuselage barrel section was completed in December 2004. The section was fabricated using a computerized tape laying process and was autoclave-cured. Windows and doors were cut and a painting process was tested. According to the company, numerous tests were then performed to confirm structural integrity.
The 787 launch helped Boeing end 2004 with a nearly 14 percent net increase in orders for its commercial airplanes. It has received deposits from customers securing nearly 260 787 aircraft, committing the first two years of planned production deliveries. In total, 191 firm orders have been taken from 15 airlines for the 787. Boeing also delivered 285 commercial airplanes as scheduled and plans to increase production to 320 aircraft in 2005, with further increases anticipated in 2006.
Boeing confirmed that Vietnam Airlines will take four 787-8s in 2010, valued at $500 million (USD) at list prices. The order is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2005. Continental Airlines, the first major U.S. carrier to announce 787 acquisition plans, signed an agreement to purchase ten 787-8s, with delivery scheduled for 2009. Rounding out the list of purchasers for 2004 is Japan Airlines Corp. (JAL), with a firm order for 30 (787-3s and 787-8s) and an option for 20 more. Deliveries are scheduled for 2008 and will replace JAL's Boeing 767s and Airbus A300-600s.
The Peoples' Republic of China recently signed a preliminary agreement worth $7.2 billion, which paves the way for the purchase of a total of 60 787s by Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. Boeing has announced an ambitious production schedule, with each carrier scheduled to take delivery of its first 787 in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Ethiopian Airlines also announced a preliminary $1.3 billion agreement for as many as ten 787s (five firm orders), making it the first African-based airline to purchase the plane.
So why isn't Boeing proposing a bleedless system for the 747 Advanced? It's supposed to use the same engines as the 787.
Who needs a stand? Since we are told that a visual inspection of the tail is all that is needed, you can just do that on a walk-by.
True, but that was what, 1969?
Perhaps a more recent Boeing comparison might be in order. The 777, if the documentary I saw was correct, was spot on it's weight.
On this subject, I'd love to know just how Airbus plans to shed 10,000 or so pounds from the A380. You can only drill so many lightening holes and redesign so many structures. Perhaps an aero engineer can enlighten us.
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Now that is hilarious.
Any idea why the use of composites for the structure?
It's another Concorde.
No one especially launch customers. For a long time Boeing sold the 747 at list price. If a airline wanted a 747, they paid the list price or found a used one somewhere. Now of course that isn't the case since airlines have a choice for large aircraft.
Wait a year and get a used one. You know they lose a third of their value when you drive them off the lot.
Didn't the company just save $30 million or so due on a recent sexual peccadillo? Maybe they should secretly encourage more.
How close is "spot on"?
They could make the tail lighter.
LOL !
LOL
I noticed JAL's interest in the B787. Is this aircraft going to have transpacific range? I was under the impression that it was a "rightsized" point-to-pointer for the domestic market.
Well, Paleo, you've got me there, because spots actually come in several sizes.
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That's just so wrong and so funny on so many levels
Easily. The 787-8 has a range of 8,500 nautical miles. That's enough to make Tokyo-New York nonstop.
Bleedless means that power accessories on the plane are no longer being powered by air "bleeded" from the jet engines to drive energy-generating turbines.
Interesting. Where does it derive electrical power from, then?
But give me a plane that can overide the system any day. The Airbust can't.
Pardon my skepticism, but I don't believe this. Who told you that the pilot lacked the ability to override the autopilot? I can't imagine that the FAA would certify any aircraft that wouldn't allow the pilot to take action in an emergency.
Thanks for the 411!
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