Is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to make its maiden flight soon?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is expected to reach skyward for the first time this week, achieving an important milestone for Boeing Co. The Chicago-based plane-maker also will gain an opportunity to shift focus to the aircraft’s promise and away from the production muddles that set the 787 2 1/2 years behind schedule, costing Boeing billions of dollars. But more hard work lies ahead for Boeing’s engineers before the 787 lives up to the lofty expectations that it will be a game-changer for its fuel savings and long range, which spurred a record 840 orders worth $140 billion for the plane. Sources: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sun-first-flight-787-1213dec13,0,4080573.
Boeing 787 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Boeing 787 Dreamliner The prototype Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Role Wide-body jet airliner National origin United States, with international partners Manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes Status In development/early production Unit cost 787-3: US$150.0–155.5 million[1][2] 787-8: US$161.0–171.5 million[1] 787-9: US$194.0–205.5 million[1] The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a mid-sized, wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner currently under development by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Its maximum seating capacity is between 290 and 330 passengers, depending on variant. Boeing states that it will be more fuel-efficient than earlier Boeing airliners and will be the first major airliner to use composite materials for most of its construction.[3] Boeing’s development of the 787 has involved a large-scale collaboration with numerous suppliers. On January 28, 2005, the aircraft’s development designation 7E7 was changed to 787.[4
Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (December 12) completed high-speed taxi tests on the first 787 Dreamliner (787-881 N787BA, msn 40690). This is the last in a series of functional tests planned in preparation for first flight. According to the Boeing press release, “Our pilots told me the airplane performed beautifully,” said Mike Delaney, vice president and chief project engineer for the 787. “We’re going through and analyzing the data to ensure we’re ready for first flight. From evaluations we’ve done so far, everything looks good.” During the testing, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 130 knots (150 mph, 240 kph), and the pilots lifted the nose gear from the pavement. Video highlights of the taxi testing will be available by the end of the day Monday at www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com. Taxi test is the last testing planned before
