New Jetliner from Boeing

Flight Journal, Feb 2005 by Pace, Steve

WITH THE RECENT 50-PLANE ORDER FROM ALL NIPPON Airways (ANA) of Japan, the Boeing Co. formally launched its 7E7 Dreamliner passenger jetliner program. Worth about $6 billion, it is the biggest initial-launch order for a new passenger jetliner in commercial-aviation history.

Built to compete with the Airbus A300-200, the 7E7 will eventually replace Boeing 757 and 767 jetliners, and production will begin in 2006. Its first flight is expected in 2007, with initial deliveries and entry into service in 2008 after certification. They will be built at Boeing-Everett in Washington, north of Seattle. The 200-seat (three-class) to 300-seat (single-class) 7E7s will fly routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers) and will be powered by two General Electric GE Next Generation or two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines (depending on airline preference), which can be interchanged at any time because of the built-in standard engine interface. The 7E7 will cruise at 0.85 Mach and will burn 20 percent less fuel than today's jetliners of its size.

The twin-aisle Dreamliner will be 182 feet long (55.47 meters) with a wingspan of 193 feet (58.82 meters). Its maximum takeoff weight will be 452,500 pounds (205,250 kilograms). Since the 7E7 follows the 777, the Dreamliner will most likely be designated 787.

-Steve Pace