The Boeing 787 Dreamliner premieres before the public live on the web and across 42 satellite TV networks around the globe in nine languages today at 3:30 PM.
When the time approaches, go to Boeing's dedicated web site and watch the roll-out here: http://787premiere.newairplane.com/
If you have difficulty getting the steam at the principal site, above, you may also try these portals: www.boeing.com or www.newairplane.com.
Why the Big Deal?
Boeing's first new aircraft in more than a decade airplane is the 787 Dreamliner, a super-efficient American aircraft that is more advanced, more efficient and more comfortable than the European-manufactured Airbus plane that is the primary competition. This aircraft puts America back in the industry lead.
New Levels of Performance Capability
The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 - 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 - 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers). A third 787 family member, the 787-3 Dreamliner, will accommodate 290 - 330 passengers and be optimized for routes of 2,500 to 3,050 nautical miles (4,600 to 5,650 kilometers).
In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity. It's the best of all worlds.
Passengers will also see a wide range of improvements with the new airplane, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience. The 787 has a huge WOW-factor.
The key to the 787's exceptional performance is a suite of new technologies being developed by Boeing and its international technology development team.
Boeing has announced that as much as 50 percent of the primary structure -- including the fuselage and wing -- on the 787 will be made of composite materials.
An open architecture will be at the heart of the 787's systems, which will be more simplified than today's airplanes and offer increased functionality. For example, the Boeing team is looking at incorporating health-monitoring systems that will allow the airplane to self-monitor and report maintenance requirements to ground-based computer systems.
Boeing has selected General Electric and Rolls-Royce to develop engines for the new airplane. It is expected that advances in engine technology will contribute as much as 8 percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane, representing a nearly two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market.
Another improvement in efficiency will come in the way the airplane is designed and built. New technologies and processes are in development to help Boeing and its supplier partners achieve unprecedented levels of performance at every phase of the program. For example, by manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, Boeing is eliminating 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 - 50,000 fasteners.
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