Boeing 787 First Flight

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner commercial jetliner took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington at 10:27 a.m. local time for the design's first flight on 15 December 2009. After a test flight of approximately three hours, it landed at 1:33 p.m. at Seattle's Boeing Field, according to Boeing.

787 Chief Pilot Mike Carriker and Captain Randy Neville tested the airplane's systems and structure as on-board equipment recorded and transmitted real-time data to the flight-test team at Boeing Field.

Boeing says that after takeoff from Everett the 787 followed a route over the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Captains Carriker and Neville flew the plane to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and up to an air speed of 180 knots, or about 207 miles (333 kilometers) per hour, typical for a first flight.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the first Boeing 787 will be joined in the flight test program in the coming weeks by five additional 787s, including two that will be powered by General Electric GEnx engines.

Boeing claims that the technologically-advanced 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other conveniences.

Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history, says Boeing. However, delays in the program have caused some customers to cancel their orders.

Source - Boeing

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