Inside The $300 Million Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Inside The $300 Million Boeing 787 Dreamliner
0:00 - Intro
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner isn't just another aircraft; it's a revolutionary step forward in aerodynamics, structural design, and onboard experience. Here is everything you need to know about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
0:30 - Cabin
The cabin is famously built with over 50% composite materials, chiefly carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic.
The wings are noticeably more flexible than those on older aircraft.
Traditional aircraft cabins are pressurized to simulate an altitude of around 8,000 feet. In the 787, Boeing has reduced this to 6,000 feet.
Another challenge with aluminum aircraft is moisture. In traditional aircraft, adding humidity can promote corrosion. But, with the 787's composite structure, Boeing introduced a cabin air system that can maintain relative humidity levels around 15%, nearly double that in older models.
The windows are 65% larger than those in comparable aircraft.
Additionally, the 787 ditches traditional window shades in favor of electrochromic dimming. At the push of a button, passengers can adjust the opacity of the window, letting in as much or as little light as they wish.
The Dreamliner's engines are designed to be as quiet as possible: Boeing implemented noise-reducing chevrons at the rear of the engine nacelles and added more sound insulation in the cabin.
The 787 also boasts LED mood lighting, which airlines can adjust to simulate various times of day or to create specific ambiances during flight.
3:08 - Cockpit
The cockpit is designed to minimize pilot fatigue as much as possible. The layout is intuitive, with essential systems positioned within easy reach. Multi-function displays, illuminated panels, and touchscreen access meld to form a cockpit that’s both futuristic and functional.
Five large, interchangeable 15-inch LCD screens dominate the cockpit's front panel, andprovide pilots with flight data, navigation routes, system diagnostics, and more.
The HUD in the 787 projects vital flight data onto a transparent screen in the pilot's forward line of sight.
The FMS is an avionics epicenter that seamlessly integrates inputs from various systems, aiding pilots in optimal flight planning, fuel conservation, and efficient route adjustments in response to dynamic factors like weather or air traffic constraints.
The Dreamliner boasts a fully integrated EFB, allowing pilots to access charts, performance data, and operational manuals digitally.
The centralized maintenance system of the 787 continuously monitors the health of various aircraft components. From engines to hydraulics, if there's an anomaly, it’s flagged immediately.
The Dreamliner also employs an advanced fly-by-wire system, meaning pilots interface with electronic controls rather than direct mechanical connections.
The 787 is also equipped with the latest in SATCOM, enabling real-time communication even over remote oceanic routes.
Safety remains paramount in the 787, and the EGPWS is a testament to this commitment. It uses precise topographical data and aircraft metrics to warn pilots of potential ground collisions.
In a departure from traditional knobs and switches, the 787 incorporates dual heads-down touchscreens.
6:25 - Engine and Performance Specs
Now, let’s talk about its engine and performance specifications. The aircraft primarily flies with one of two powerhouses, depending on the airline's choice. The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 is a culmination of decades of jet propulsion research. With its thrust spanning from 53,000 pounds at the lower end to a powerful 78,000 pounds at its peak, the engine embodies sheer might.
Its counterpart, the General Electric GEnx-1B, holds its ground with a compelling thrust spectrum ranging from 53,200 pounds to a substantial 76,100 pounds.
The Dreamliner achieves a cruising speed of Mach 0.85.
The Boeing 787-8 offers a staggering reach of 7,530 nautical miles or 13,950 kilometers. The extended 787-9 variant matches this, while the larger 787-10 promises a commendable range of 6,345 nautical miles or 11,750 kilometers.
The aircraft ascends to a maximum service ceiling of 43,000 feet or 13,100 meters.
The Boeing 787 needs roughly 8,500 feet or 2,590 meters of runway to achieve takeoff at maximum weight, and requires approximately 7,500 feet or 2,300 meters when considering typical landing weights and standard conditions.
The aircraft can comfortably handle a payload nearing 118,000 pounds or 53,500 kilograms.
10:18 - Purchase Price
And finally, the base purchase price for a new Boeing 787-8 is $250 million, and $300 million for a new Boeing 787-9 before options.
10:31 - Outro
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