A great shot of the 787 Dreamliner
After running so many computer-generated images of fake airborne 787 Dreamliners, it's refreshing to see an expansive photograph of a real 787 Dreamliner. Of course, it was taken on the taxiway given we are still anxiously awaiting first flight which will probably happen just before Christmas.
The shot offers a couple of things. First, the proportions of 787-8 model become clearer as it dwarfs a worker standing astride the nose gear. In particular, the engines (Rolls Trent 1000, I presume) look enormous.
A wingspan of 197 feet makes the plane wider than it is long (186 feet). The 787 stands 56 feet tall. The 787-3's are slightly smaller while the 787-9s will be a little bigger.
The untrained eye could mistake the 787-8 for a 777-200 which is the Boeing model that comes closest in size and appearance. The 777-200 is 23 feet longer and four feet higher, but the 787-8 by comparison only gives up two feet of wingspan. The photo doesn't include much of the wings, but I like it anyway especially because an overstuffed 747 Dreamlifter that delivers 787 components to Boeing's Everett plant is lurks in the background.
Distinctive winglets will make the future 787-3 model unmistakable, though.
One more thought: half of what you're looking is is essentially plastic.
More coverage of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner on SmartPlanet:
- Boeing fixes two more 787s, repeats first flight will be in '09
- Boeing 787 repaired wings encounter new composite problem
- Is Boeing opting to expand in S.C. really a good idea?
- New 747-8 Freighter soon to take off
- Top 787 exec Scott Carson to retire
- Boeing 787, the book and the movie: I can't wait
- Boeing eats first three 787s, stretches flight test schedule
- Boeing 787 maiden flight reset for Q4
- Is 787 Dreamliner novel manufacturing strategy on the rocks?
- Boeing's Candor on 787 Delay
- Boeing 787 Delay Call Live
- Boeing 787 First Flight Delayed Again
- Boeing 787 "Gauntlet" videos worth a look
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner mitigates turbulence
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This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com