The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-range, mid-size
wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner developed by Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. Its variants seat 210 to 290
passengers. Boeing states that it is the company's most
fuel-efficient airliner and the world's first major
airliner to use composite materials for most of its
construction. Composites are used on fuselage, wings,
tail, doors, and interior. Carbon fiber, unlike metal,
does not visibly show cracks and fatigue, prompting
concerns about the safety risks of widespread use of the
material.
The 787's design features lighter-weight construction.
The aircraft is 80% composite by volume. Its materials,
listed by weight, are 50% composite, 20% aluminum, 15%
titanium, 10% steel, and 5% other. According
to Boeing, the 787 consumes 20% less fuel than the
similarly-sized 767. Its distinguishing features include
a four-panel windshield, noise-reducing chevrons on its
engine nacelles, and a smoother nose contour. The 787
shares a common type rating with the larger 777 twinjet,
allowing qualified pilots to operate both models, due to
related design features.
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