The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a family of twin-engine, wide-body passenger aircraft designed for long-haul flights, capable of carrying 242 to 330 passengers in a two-class configuration. The aircraft is distinguished by a high degree of technological innovation regarding its design concepts, structural materials, and control systems. It is the world's first large commercial airliner to feature a fuselage, wings, and tail section constructed from composite materials. The aircraft makes extensive use of electrical systems, replacing many traditional pneumatic components. It features an advanced fly-by-wire control system that automatically optimizes the wing shaperesulting in improved lift and reduced fuel consumptionand also incorporates new instrumentation technologies within the cockpit. The aircraft is powered by next-generation engines: either the General Electric GEnx-1B or the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. Three variants have been built: the original 787-8, the stretched 787-9 variant, and the largest version, the 787-10. The 787 entered scheduled commercial service on October 26, 2011, with ANA. Today, it is operated worldwide by over seventy airlinesincluding major national flag carriers, long-haul low-cost carriers, and leisure airlines. Nigel Richardson describes the genesis, design, and development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, complemented by illustrations and technical information.
