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Boeing's latest commercial airliner made its first test flight today at Paine Field, in Everett, Washington. This new design is a radical change from Boeing's previous models. Though two years behind schedule, all of us aviation enthusiasts are waiting anxiously to see this beautiful airliner begin normal service.
Boeing's 787 jetliner makes first test flight - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20091215/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_boeing787_flight_test_12 - broken link)
Last edited by Magnum Mike; 12-15-2009 at 05:32 PM..
The 787 is as revolutionary in design as the Boeing 747 was 40 years ago, when it made its first flight, and I think it's going to eventually replace the 767.
Quite a bird! I've not been active in aviation for the past decade, so I didn't know anything about the new 787. I was surprised to learn much of it's made of plastics. I hope it's a big success.
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the difference between a 767 and this plane, 787? Is it bigger than the 767? Isn't the 767 the largest plane thus far? I was on a 767 a few yrs back on a flight from MIA to U.K.'s Gatwick(sp?). That was a huge plane, very nice though!
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the difference between a 767 and this plane, 787? Is it bigger than the 767? Isn't the 767 the largest plane thus far? I was on a 767 a few yrs back on a flight from MIA to U.K.'s Gatwick(sp?). That was a huge plane, very nice though!
The 787 is lighter and therefore more efficient. As a passenger, you'll probably notice a roomier more ergonomic cabin, in-seat entertainment (since any '87's will be new aircraft and that equipment is becoming standard), no more kerosene smell on engine startup (I believe cabin air no longer comes from engine bleed ducts), quieter flight, and easier egress.
Other than that, it's just another tin can with rows of seats.
I question the parts of the plane made out of plastic....what parts and just how durable is it in turbulance, storm conditions, and extreme cold??? I see how plastic in other areas, including much of it used it tools and hardware doesnt hold up.....
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Plastic is just a generic term that we all use. It is really made of a high tech composite that is more like carbon fiber and resin.
I see a lot of composite material on the Airbus, Embraer, and Boeing planes that I currently work on.
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the difference between a 767 and this plane, 787? Is it bigger than the 767? Isn't the 767 the largest plane thus far? I was on a 767 a few yrs back on a flight from MIA to U.K.'s Gatwick(sp?). That was a huge plane, very nice though!
The sizes are similar, both being medium-sized jetliners. Because they both come in various configurations and sizes, it's not really a matter of which one is bigger. You want big, the 747, originally flown in the late '60s and still in production, is the biggest Boeing at roughly twice the size of the 767 or 787.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 115db
I question the parts of the plane made out of plastic....what parts and just how durable is it in turbulance, storm conditions, and extreme cold??? I see how plastic in other areas, including much of it used it tools and hardware doesnt hold up.....
From what I gather, most of the plane is made from carbon fiber; that includes the fuselage, wings, etc. It's not too new in aircraft use, but it's new to use it to this degree in a plane of this size. You can be sure it'll undergo considerable in-flight testing before you ride in one, but its long-term durability won't be proven for years.
Check out the link provided by South Range Family. It's an interesting read. (Thanks for the info, SRF.)
A problem that I would have with a molded barrel fuselage is repairs. Current airliners have aluminum frames, and stringers that are covered with an aluminum skin.
It is only a matter of time before a baggage loader, or catering truck gets driven into the side of an airplane. We normally just cut out the damage, throw in a new chunk of aluminum, and stick on a couple of doublers at the splice joints. I have even replaced entire skin sections that are 20 feet long. It takes a lot of fasteners, and a little time, but we are very good at it.
Composite repairs are a horse of a different color. I'm sure the engineers have worked out cold lay up repairs that can be done in the field, but this airplane pretty much turns me into a dinosaur.
Last edited by South Range Family; 12-22-2009 at 01:06 PM..
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This new design is a radical change from Boeing's previous models. Though two years behind schedule, all of us aviation enthusiasts are waiting anxiously to see this beautiful airliner begin normal service.
