Boeing 787 First Flight

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Rc Soarer

I left school after first period to go over to the Future of Flight Museum to see it. It is amazing how much the wings bend upwards when it flies.

Originally Posted by Tristan Lall

If you think that's a lot, check out the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, or the Rutan Voyager. (Almost all large aircraft, and all modern airliners have very flexible wings.)

I've heard this same comment a lot recently; I wonder if it's generally a reaction to the idea that the 787 uses relatively new structural technologies, and an (unfounded) expression of uncertainty regarding its strength?

If memory serves the U2 also had that quirk. I would bet that the U2 doesn't though.*

I know in some aircraft (cannot speak specifically because I can't recall) the space in the wings is used to store fuel, this makes the wings bow down on takeoffs. Not sure if the 787 is doing the same thing.

While we are talking about nifty technologies on airplanes, the B-52 is unique in that it is among the only (I think it is the only) aircraft to currently use a crab system on its landing gear. When landing a plane that size in a cross wind the pilots will point the nose into the cross wind and let the wheels rotate so they can land. http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonefaction/237071351/.


*For anyone who doesn't catch it there are 2 planes in the Wikipedia search for U2.