Quick Links
The 210-330-seat Boeing 787 is aimed at a potential replacement market for the Boeing 767, Airbus A300-600 and A330-200/-300, estimated at more than 3,500 medium-range airliners. Three versions of the Boeing 787 have been approved so far: The 210-250-passenger Boeing 787-8, with a range of 15,700km, the Boeing 787-9, carrying up to 290 passengers up to 16,300km and the 330-seat, 6,500km range Boeing 787-3.
The Boeing 787 will be powered by 55,000lb – 70,000lb thrust engines from General Electric and Rolls-Royce. GE is developing the new GEnX, Rolls-Royce the Trent 1000. Boeing claims a 20 per cent fuel burn advantage for the 787 over the 767 and an increased cruising speed of Mach 0.85.
A range of new technologies are being incorporated into the Boeing 787. At least half of its primary structure will be built from composite materials, more than any other airliner. The aircraft’s systems use an open architecture and are greatly simplified. The traditional air conditioning and de-icing systems have been replaced on the Boeing 787 with electrical systems not requiring bleed air from the engines, saving fuel.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner programme came out of the 7E7 study for a conventional aircraft to replace the original Sonic Cruiser programme after Boeing decided it was over-ambitious. Board approval for the Boeing 787 came in late 2003 with full launch and a record order for 50 aircraft from All Nippon Airways. Since then 29 airlines have ordered 393 Boeing 787s, making it the most successful aircraft launch in Boeing’s history.
The configuration of the Boeing 787 was finalised in September 2005 and detailed design is continuing at 135 companies worldwide preparatory to assembly of the first aircraft in 2006. Demand is so high that Boeing is considering increasing the production rate of the 787 from the initial four aircraft per month to 16 aircraft. The production line is already fully booked to 2011, and some airlines have production slots retained as far ahead as 2016.
The Boeing 787 final assembly plant will open at Boeing’s Everitt facility in 2007, with certification and delivery of the Boeing 787-8 in 2008, and the 787-9 and 787-3 in 2010.
Principal Dimensions | |
Overall length: | 57 m |
Height: | 17 m |
Fuselage Diameter: | 5.91m |
Cabin width: | 5.49 m |
Wingspan: | 60 m |
Weights | |
Maximum takeoff weight: | 219,540 kg |
Empty weight: | 110,000 kg |
Speeds | |
Normal cruise: | 902 km/h at 40,000 ft |
Max cruise: | 945 km/h at 40,000 ft |
Engine | |
Category | Turbofan |
Max thrust | 63600 lb |
Performance | |
Range: | 14,200 - 15,200 km |
Passenger capacity: | 210 to 250 |
Maximum Fuel Capacity: | 126,903 L |
Service Ceiling: | 43,000 ft |
Maximum Thrust Capability: | 285 kN |
Read Steve Trimble's blog as he covers the launch
In a galaxy far, far away
787 races towards 1000 sales
Airbus vs Boeing - a cartoon caper
EADS to build Boeing 787 (up to a point)
787 strikes deep affection in the heartlands of America and Britain
Dream date for Boeing's 787 roll-out
Read more about the Boeing 787 from Flightglobal.com:
Dreamliner timeline
Boeing reinvents the airliner
In focus: Alan Mulally
In focus: John Leahy
In focus: Mike Bair
How the airline market focus changed
Mid-sizers outrun super-jumbos
External links:
Read flightblogger here
Read Randy's Blog
Boeing 787 roll-out
The latest discussions on Flightglobal's Fourms:
More Boeing 787 News from Flight Global
More Boeing 787 News from around the web
Learn how to reach new customers through online advertising and email marketing, drive traffic through SEO and generate new leads online with Flightglobal's 'What Works Online' webinar series
Don’t miss you opportunity to be trained by the experts
Flightglobal is offering a series of FREE ‘What Works Online’ webinars to equip you with the knowledge, resources and best practice advice to help you achieve your business goals
Learn how to reach new customers through online advertising and email marketing, drive traffic through SEO and generate new leads online
Don’t miss this free training opportunity delivered by experts in online marketing