The world's longest aircraft has just been unveiled in Britain's biggest aircraft hangar.
At first, you might mistake it for a giant airship - gas-filled balloon on top, pod slung underneath.
But the unique, aerodynamic shape of the balloon - it looks as if a series of cigars have been sewn together - means it can also generate lift just like an aeroplane wing.
That is key, because it enables the designers to make the machine heavier than air, which cuts the need to have dozens of crew hanging on to ropes holding it down every time you land.
In fact, you can land it via remote control with no-one on board at all if you like. And on water if needs be.
Let me put it into perspective for you.
This thing is two-and-a-half times longer than the distance covered by the Wright brothers' first powered flight.
With a length of 302ft (92m) the new airship is about 60ft longer than the biggest airliners, the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
It is also almost 30ft longer than the massive cargo-carrying Antonov An-225, which until now was the longest aircraft ever built.
I flew on the 787 from Narita to Seattle in November. Amazing aircraft, the wings flex so much that it's almost nerve wracking! The auto dimming windows were very cool as well. Was very impressed by it and the ANA crew who operated it.
Are those the same ones that caught fire from faulty batteries? Or have those been fixed?
No these aren't those, and repairs complying with any airworthiness directives for the 787 would have to be met for these aircraft so there's no risk as far as that's concerned (no more than later build 787). Seems the biggest issue is the range, about 1,000 nm than Air Canada's new one for example.
No these aren't those, and repairs complying with any airworthiness directives for the 787 would have to be met for these aircraft so there's no risk as far as that's concerned (no more than later build 787). Seems the biggest issue is the range, about 1,000 nm than Air Canada's new one for example.
Here's what the range would be from YYC, more or less
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Not in our lifetimes would demand warrant Calgary - Australia service nonstop, so practically speaking the 788 and more so 789 open us up to everything we'd ever need.
Not saying it's right, but the passenger has stumbled upon a new way for the airlines to make money. Make people pay for their ignorance, charge passengers a fee to find out if their flight is operated by a male or female. If they paid to see the sex of the pilot, charge them extra if they wish to switch flights.
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