Delay-dogged Boeing 787 Finally Airborne

Boeing's new 787 jetliner finally gets airborne, the long-delayed inaugural flight of the world's first commercial plane constructed with half its components made from lightweight composite materials. (Dec. 15)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 787_technology

[snakes3425]

@arsenium666

Quality of an airplane matters more then quanity. I would rather have a 787 delayed and loose some credibility if it means it doesn't fall from the sky. Yes Airbus has the upper han in terms of orders but how many Airbuses have crashed as a result

[MEATYOKERRable]

Oh this is great.... Well, Good for them! Being stupid enough to OUTSOURCE your parts? For an Airplane??? 20 year from now when and if VH-1 is showing I love 2K, Outsourcing is going to be the biggest "What the F were they thinking" topic on that show... that and Britney's Meltdown, and Reality TV....

[WazUppU]

I was referring to Uaz31. I don't know why, but when I reply it never goes in the right spot

[WazUppU]

They didn't mean it like that. It meant that the delays made the first flight get pushed back farther and farther. Trouble getting it airborne is just a different way of saying that. It got in the air just fine, after two years of delays.

[arsenium666]

Japan builds 787´s wings and centerframe...that´s why so much interest by japanese costumers.

Actually 80% of the plane (most of carbonfibre parts) is build overseas...so calling the 787 an American plane is at least doubtful.

When Boeing built their planes inhouse things got right...now delays have mined Boeing´s credibility and Airbus has had the upper hand with the double in terms of net orders in 2009.

[1stSuperChannel]

Waste of time.

[thebaysix]

New planes are always great news, people seem to be freaking out that this is going to be a catastrophe waiting to happen, and I don't understand it. These planes are built with the very newest technology and Boeing is going to test the hell out of it before they even think of flying it commercially (think how awful a crash would be for business). Also, making the planes run on less fuel is good thing! It means airlines will have more money for frequent checkups and repairs for the aircraft.

[AfricanMadman]

I agree!

Dawg, it'l be my luck flying to New York and a whole wing just drops off....

And also, how will this plane handle in bad weather and the cold? Plastic will become more brittle when in lower temps and may bend or break in high winds....

[Uaz31]

I wouldn't fly at all... they can't keep the damn things in the air. They say your alot more likely to die in a car accident, ya well, tell that to the familes of those who die every year in plane crashes.

[Uaz31]

Its light weight but they had trouble getting it airborne?! ... who cares if its more effecient, give the passengers parachutes, escape pods, roll bars, air bags, flight security guards, and fire retardant vestments.

Then figure out how to make the plans run on less fuel to save money.