How Boeing transformed aviation

[DesertFox]

After five years under wraps, the future of commercial aviation is about to make its worldwide debut.

The global spotlight will be shining on The Boeing Co. July 8 (07-08-07) as it unveils its newest passenger jet in 13 years: the 787 Dreamliner. It hasn’t even flown yet and already the 787 is making aviation history as the world’s hottest-selling and most technically advanced new commercial jet ever.

Not since Boeing ushered in the jet age with its 707 in 1954 has there been such hoopla over a new passenger airplane. ...

http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070626/070626_dreamliner_hmed_10a.rp420x400.jpg

Big-ass plastic airplane

While the Dreamliner — the world’s first commercial jet made primarily of plastic — is ready for its public debut on the ground, the airplane still must prove itself in the air. First flight is scheduled for September, followed by a series of certification test flights this fall and commercial service in May 2008 with All Nippon Airways of Japan. Boeing will have six 787s in test flights by the end of this year.


More (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19421415/)

[Sarah]

Why are these newer planes going with the two engine design instead of four? Are the newer engines that much more powerful? And I wonder how much those two engines weigh compared to the four you find on 747s.

[Timberwolf]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19510247/

There's an interactive at the top of the page which gives the following info:
Fuel Efficiency

The 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in improved environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane.

Maintenance

30 percent less maintenance costs because composite material is more corrosive resistant than aluminum. Fewer parts are needed when using composites. By manufacturing a one-piece, composite fuselage section, Boeing has eliminated 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 to 50,000 fasteners.

Engines

New "bleedless" engines from two engine makers: Rolls Royce and General Electric. The systems on the 787 are electrical powered, meaning all the air passing through the engine will be used for engine function.

Clean Air

The 787 will have an air purification system. Also, because composites are less corrosive than aluminum, the 787 will have greater cabin pressure and more moisture (higher humidity levels).

Range

Mid-size airplane that features big-jet ranges and flexibility in route planning. Depending on the configuration and model, the Dreamliner can carry between 210 to 330 passengers on non-stop routes up to 8,500 nautical miles at speeds up to Mach 0.85.
Sounds like a pretty cool bird....

[Coleridge]

Well, lets hope he can do it with Ford as well. God knows our automotive industry is frighteningly close to extinction.

[Rhino]

Who is "he"?