787 Cockpit

The cockpit of the Boeing 787 has struck the eye of many pilots in the aviation world. The 787 cockpit will be entirely glass with HUDs (heads up displays). THe 787 will also feature an electronic flight bag that will allow all charts to be shown digitally on a computer screen. The days of pilots looking at maps are now officially over! The cockpit will have two seats and will allow enough room for observers to sit behind the pilots and take notes. The 787 cockpit also limits the number of emergency switches and clears the clutter many wide-body aircraft cockpits in the past have had to deal with. Traditional Boeing fans need not to worry as a basic rudder and yoke system will still be utilized on the 787. The cockpit will also use a phone system and have the best radar available to all plots.

Landing Gear Information

Messier-Dowty of France, has been selected to supply the main and nose landing gear. The electric braking system, built by Goodrich and Messier-Bugatti, is comprised of electro-mechanically actuated carbon brakes and electro-mechanical actuator controllers. The new system will enhance reliability and ensure the breaks do not overheat on landing. The new breaks also minimize any leaking of fluids and will help to keep runways clear of hydraulic fluid. It is important to note the 787 will still have ten wheels as planned with strengthened main gear. The gear are also more streamlined than current gear on Boeing's 767. The gear will limit induced drag as the 787 lands and will further improve the impact of aircraft on the environment.

Big Deals for Big Shots

Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada has place orders on the new 787 that is planning to unveil in about three months. Virgin Atlantic has proudly stated that the new Boeing 787 is the company’s “new aircraft of the future.” Air Canada has plans to replace the A330s, A340s, and 767 widebodies with the new 787. Boeing is excited of these two new orders and has said that these two are the highest customer orders from a North American and European airline respectively. Sucks to be you Airbus. C'est la vie.

From Aero-News.net

Easy Does It

Hello everyone, The Seattle Times has reported that the horizontal tail section of the very first 787 (built by Alenia Aeronautica) has arrived at Everett, Washington yesterday after its long trip from Foggia, Italy. Unlike the other parts of the 787, the horizontal tail was broken up into several pieces due to its triangular shape which made transporting the whole piece rather difficult. Due to the complexity of the ambitious production flow that Boeing has planned, the pieces are not entirely finished before they shipped them to the US. Boeing’s production plan has stated that the individual parts are completely finished before shipping to the US. Once in the US, all that has to be done is to assemble the parts together. Since this is the first 787 ever assembled, Boeing has expected minor changes to its production plan. Boeing is planning to prefect the production flow sometime in the future. Speaking of the production flow, Boeing is still immensely trying to get the Dreamlifter certified by the FAA. The transporting of the horizontal tail section also served as the Dreamlifter’s flight test for certification. Since the horizontal tail section has safety arrived at Everett, I am pretty sure that the Dreamlifter would be certified in no time. As you can see, the 787 is not just a new plane to replace the old Boeing fleet, it is also a new face lift for the entire company.

Orders Going Well

On April 3, 2007, Boeing officially passed the 500 order count on the 787 Dreamliner. JAL ordered 5 787s and that pushed the total over the initial goal of 500. General Electric has also reported positive progress with the GenX engine. The GE engine choice seems to have become far more popular than the Rolls Royce option. Many future orders coming from North America are expected to go with GE as it is an American based company with exceptional service. As the production moves onward, Boeing is happily awaiting the roll out date.

Recent Deals

Over the past few weeks, more and more airlines have continued to sign on for the Boeing 787 project. Continental Airlines confirmed their order for 5 787-9 Dreamliners, pushing their order total to nearly 25. Continental said they chose the 787 because of its extremely low cost per seat mile. Both Larry Keller, CEO of Continental, and Ray Conner, Boeing Sales Executive, have both described the deal process as a dream. First Choice Airways of the United Kingdom has also reached an agreement for four additional 787s. As airlines continue to see the progress Boeing is making, expect more and more 787 orders. With the A-380 struggling, the airline industry at Boeing is on a tear.

Components Coming Together

On March 14, 2007, Boeing celebrated the roll out of the first vertical fin for the Boeing 787. The vertical fin is the largest primary structure on the 787 airframe. The vertical fin was built at the Composite Manufacturing Center and utilized the highest level of technology in its design. The assembly is moving along strongly as Japan has been producing their components on time. The 747-400 LCF or large cargo freighter, has started brining over many of the parts from Japan. Boeing continues to assert it is on time and the 787 roll-out is looking closer than ever.