Boeing 787 Dreamliner

In 1995 launches A330-200, taking over the 767-300ER, which had led the mid-size, long-range widebody market. Boeing began considering a replacement for the 767 when sales weakened due to the competing Airbus A330-200.

In 1997 Boeing launches 767-400ER "double-stretch" derivative but sells only 37 aircraft to two airlines - Continental Airlines and Delta.

Boeing planned two new aircraft, which were the Sonic Cruiser and the 747X since sales of the Boeing 747-400 were also slowing.

The Sonic Cruiser would burn fuel at the same rate as the existing 767 or A330 but flies at higher speeds (approximately Mach 0.98).

The 747X would have stretched the 747-400 and improved efficiency by using a composite supercritical wing. It will compete with the Airbus A3XX (A380)

The Sonic Cruiser had brighter prospects but the 747X was unenthusiastic on the market.

Several airlines showed enthusiasm for the Sonic Cruiser concept in reducing travel time, although they also expressed concern about the operating cost.

The September 11, 2001 tragedy turned over the global airline market. The sudden drop in air travel coupled with high development costs and Boeing's failure to prove to airlines that shorter travel times were desirable quickly took their toll on the fledgling concept.

Consequently, on December 20, 2002 Boeing officially canceled the high-speed Sonic Cruiser aircraft. As an alternative, Boeing proposes to refocus on a conventional configuration and using the same technology proposed on Sonic Cruiser. This design, referred to as Project Yellowstone or the 7E7 Dreamliner, create a "super-efficient" airliner with significantly lower operating costs than today's aircraft.

Boeing also canceled the 747X once Airbus launched production of the Airbus A380.

The substitution for the Sonic Cruiser project was called the "7E7" with development code name of "Y2". Technology from the Sonic Cruiser and 787 will be used as part of Yellowstone Project to replace its entire airliner product line, of which the 787 is the first stage.

The "E" was said to stand for various things. To some, it stood for "efficiency", to others it stood for "environmentally friendly". Finally, Boeing stated it merely stood for "Eight", after 787 designation was selected.

7E7 Stand for Various Things

Nickname “Dreamliner” was selected for 787 after a public naming competition was held with out of 500,000 votes cast online.

The Boeing 787 designation was a continuation from previous Boeing families, which had progressed sequentially: 707, 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777. 

Sequences Number of Boeing Airplanes

 All Nippon Airways (ANA) became the launch customer for the 787, then still known as the 7E7, by announcing a firm order for 50 aircraft on April 26, 2004.

Early concept images of the 787 included stylish cockpit windows, a dropped nose and a distinctive "shark-fin" vertical stabilizer. The final styling of the 787 was more conservative, the nose, cockpit windows and fin were changed to a more conventional shape appearing visually similar to those of aircraft currently in service.

The initial variants were 787-3 and 787-8, with the 787-9 entering service in 2010.

At first, Boeing priced the 787-8 variant at US$120 million, a low figure that surprised the industry.

The Prices of Boeing 787

During the first year of sales, customer-announced orders and commitments for the 787 reached 237 aircraft.

The 787 became the fastest-selling wide body airliner ever before entry into service after the firm orders numbering 677 on 787's premiere on July 8, 2007.

In order to reduce noise, the engine pods on the 787 feature chevron edges.

Boeing claims the 787 will be at least 20% more fuel-efficient than current competing aircraft which is came from one third from the engines, another third from aerodynamic improvements and the increased use of lighter weight composite materials, and the final third from advanced systems. 

Boeing 787 Efficiency Contributors

The most notable contribution to efficiency is the electric architecture which replaces bleed air and hydraulic power with electrically powered compressors and pumps.

Boeing selected two engine types, the General Electric GEnx and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000, to power the 787, both placed in pods.

Boeing 787 Engines

For the record in commercial aviation, both engine types will have a standard interface with the aircraft, allowing any Boeing 787 to be fitted with either a General Electric or Rolls-Royce engine at any time (engine interchangeability). This makes airlines have more flexibility to change from one manufacturer’s engine to the other. 

Engine Interchangeable on Boeing 787

The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 will become the launch engine for all three current 787 variants. The competing A350 will be powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB.

The 787 underwent aerodynamics testing at many wind tunnels. Boeing's Transonic Wind Tunnel, QinetiQ's wind tunnel at Farnborough and NASA Ames Research Center's wind tunnel, as well as at the French aerodynamics research agency, ONERA.

Aerodynamics Testing Location during 787 Development

 With the planned Airbus to develop A350-900, Boeing proposed to develop a stretched version, the 787-10, with seating capacity between 290 and 310.

Boeing 787-10 versus A350-900 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed at Boeing Field in southern Seattle at 1:35 PST after a 3 hour maiden VFR flight.

sources: wikipedia - Boeing 787 Dreamliner