Boeing May Make Minor 7E7 Changes to Vertical Stabilizer Design.

Advanced Materials & Composites News, July, 2004

July 9, 2004 - Boeing, says Wichita officials, plans some changes to the 7E7 vertical stabilizer. The 7E7 vertical tail is currently designed with a leading edge curve from the fuselage to the tip, compared with the straight edge of current designs. The unique approach is said to be part of the 217- to 289-seat 7E7 Dreamliner's uniqueness.

But, since the plane is being designed to use 20% less fuel than current Boeing long-range aircraft, like the 767, a model the 7E7 is designed to replace, changes could be made in the final design of the tail. Should minor design changes be necessary to achieve the higher fuel economy standards, then they will be done, said a company spokesperson. Web: http://www.boeing.com