Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Technology, Specs and latest news updates
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a twin engine, wide body, long range passenger aircraft capable of flying non stop ultra long haul flights.
History and development of Boeing 787 Dreamliner
After Boeing cancelled its high speed supersonic passenger aircraft, the focus was shifted to build a fuel efficient passenger aircraft as airlines were looking for and economical long range passenger aircraft for their fleets. The program began in early 2000s and was officially announced as 7E7 in 2003. The “E” in 7E7 was to represent efficiency and environmental. All Nippon Airways was the official launch customer and the program was formally launched on April 2004 and All Nippon Airways as the official launch customer.
Boeing 787 was built using lightweight advanced composite materials to replace aluminum and electrical systems to replace traditional mechanical components to make the aircraft lighter and more fuel efficient.
The first flight was conducted on 15 December 2009 from Boeing Everette facility in Seattle, Washington. The first commercial version 787-8 was delivered to All Nippon Airways (ANA) on 26 September 2011.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner features
The wing and fuselage were the main components built with composite materials making it the first airliner to use the advanced composite materials like polymer to this extent making the aircraft both lighter and stronger. These materials made the Boeing 787 less prone to corrosion and structural damage.
The aircraft has more cabin space both for passengers and overhead luggage. The fuselage of 787 is wider along with 30% bigger windows than other similar category aircraft making long haul flights more fun and comfortable. Boeing 787 is also the first commercial aircraft with electric dimmers at each seat.
Technical Specification of Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Technical Specs
| 787-8 | 787-9 | 787-10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passengers (two-class) | 248 | 296 | 336 |
| Range nmi (km) | 7,305 nmi (13,530 km) | 7,565 nmi (14,010 km) | 6,330 nmi (11,730 km) |
| Length | 57 m (186 ft) | 63 m (206 ft) | 68 m (224 ft) |
| Wingspan | 60 m (197 ft) | 60 m (197 ft) | 60 m (197 ft) |
| Height | 17 m (56 ft) | 17 m (56 ft) | 17 m (56 ft) |
| Engine | GEnx-1B / Trent 1000 | GEnx-1B / Trent 1000 | GEnx-1B / Trent 1000 |
Boeing 787 Dreamliner engines
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner offers airlines a choice between two highly advanced powerplants: the General Electric GEnx-1B and the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. A defining characteristic of both engines is their remarkable efficiency, consuming 20% less fuel than others in their category. This makes the Dreamliner an economically ideal choice for airlines navigating modern operational costs.
Technical Superiority
This leap in performance is rooted in their innovative architecture. Both engines are designed with high bypass ratios and exceptionally large air intakes, allowing them to ingest a massive volume of air. This design generates greater thrust more efficiently while significantly reducing noise and CO2 emissions, contributing to quieter cabins and more environmentally friendly operation.
Engine management and reliability are governed by a suite of cutting-edge digital systems.
FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control): This advanced digital system acts as the engine’s brain, constantly optimizing performance parameters from takeoff to landing.
Integrated Diagnostics: Advanced software and sensors provide a comprehensive system for monitoring engine health and performance in real time. This predictive capability simplifies maintenance and reduces long-term operational costs.
Advanced Safety Systems: Technologies such as sophisticated anti-icing ensure the engines perform reliably and safely across all weather conditions.
Passenger Experience and Cabin Environment
Better Cabin Pressurization: The engines’ efficient bleed air system allows the 787’s cabin to be pressurized to a lower altitude equivalent of 6,000 feet (instead of the standard 8,000 feet). This significantly reduces passenger fatigue, headaches, and dry eyes on long-haul flights.
Noticeably Quieter Cabins: Both the GEnx and Trent 1000 engines feature chevrons (saw-tooth patterns) on their nacelle (engine casing). This innovative design helps mix the hot air from the engine core with the cold air flowing around it, dramatically reducing the roaring jet noise and creating a more peaceful environment.
Higher Humidity: The advanced systems supported by the engines allow for higher humidity levels inside the cabin, further combating the dryness and discomfort often felt during air travel.
Thrust and Power
High Bypass Ratio: These are high-bypass turbofan engines, where a massive fan at the front moves a large volume of air around the hot engine core. This bypassed air generates most of the engine’s thrust (rated from 58,000 to 76,000 lbf), making it incredibly powerful and fuel-efficient.
Advanced Engine Core: Both engines feature a twin-spool design with highly efficient compressors and turbines that extract maximum energy from fuel while running at extremely high temperatures and pressures.
Fuel Efficiency: This advanced thrust-generation method is the primary reason the engines are 20% more fuel-efficient than previous-generation aircraft engines, directly lowering airline operating costs and the plane’s environmental impact.
Advanced Materials and Blade Design
Extensive Use of Composites: For the first time on a wide scale, lightweight and incredibly strong carbon-fiber composite materials are used for the fan blades (on the GEnx) and the fan casing. This reduces overall weight, improves durability, and resists damage.
Swept Aerodynamic Blades: The large fan blades are not straight; they feature a swept, three-dimensional design. This advanced aerodynamic shape reduces shockwaves at the blade tips, which further lowers noise and increases the efficiency of the fan.
Heat-Resistant Superalloys: The internal components, particularly in the hot turbine section, are made from advanced nickel-based superalloys and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). These materials can withstand incredible temperatures, allowing the engine to run hotter and more efficiently than ever before.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Operators
| Airline | First aircraft inducted | Total no. of 787 in inventory |
| Aeroméxico | 2013 | 22 |
| Air Austral | 2016 | 2 |
| Air Canada | 2014 | 40 |
| Air China | 2016 | 14 |
| Air Europa | 2016 | 26 |
| Air France | 2017 | 10 |
| Air India | 2012 | 33 |
| Air Japan | 2024 | 2 |
| Air New Zealand | 2014 | 14 |
| Air Premia | 2021 | 7 |
| Air Tahiti Nui | 2018 | 4 |
| Air Tanzania | 2018 | 3 |
| All Nippon Airways | 2011 | 86 |
| American Airlines | 2015 | 63 |
| Austrian Airlines | 2024 | 2 |
| Avianca | 2015 | 16 |
| Azerbaijan Airlines | 2015 | 2 |
| Biman Bangladesh Airlines | 2018 | 6 |
| British Airways | 2013 | 42 |
| China Eastern Airlines | 2018 | 4 |
| China Southern Airlines | 2013 | 29 |
| Egyptair | 2019 | 8 |
| El Al | 2017 | 17 |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 2012 | 29 |
| Etihad Airways | 2015 | 44 |
| EVA Air | 2018 | 19 |
| Gulf Air | 2018 | 10 |
| Hainan Airlines | 2013 | 38 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 2024 | 4 |
| Iraqi Airways | 2023 | 2 |
| Japan Airlines | 2012 | 45 |
| Jetstar Airways | 2013 | 11 |
| Juneyao Airlines | 2018 | 9 |
| Kenya Airways | 2014 | 9 |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | 2015 | 25 |
| Korean Air | 2017 | 25 |
| LATAM Brasil | 2021 | 1 |
| LATAM Chile | 2016 | 36 |
| LOT Polish Airlines | 2012 | 15 |
| Lufthansa | 2022 | 5 |
| MIAT Mongolian Airlines | 2023 | 2 |
| Neos | 2017 | 6 |
| Norse Atlantic Airways | 2022 | 8 |
| Norse Atlantic UK | 2023 | 4 |
| Oman Air | 2015 | 10 |
| Qantas | 2017 | 14 |
| Qatar Airways | 2012 | 54 |
| Royal Air Maroc | 2015 | 11 |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | 2013 | 5 |
| Royal Jordanian | 2014 | 7 |
| Saudia | 2016 | 21 |
| Scoot | 2015 | 23 |
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