Boeing Dreamliner in Final Stages
Despite 787 Security Issues Delaying Production, Now on Schedule
Security concerns and production outsourcing were among the problems that caused the delay in completing the over 800 orders for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
When Boeing first announced the plan for the 787 “Dreamliner” in 2004, orders for the new airliner were quickly filled. Now with over 800 planes ordered, the final production of the planes will happen this year. The first Dreamliner flight is scheduled for mid 2008. As of February 15th, 787 production of the second flight-test plane was in the final stage of assembly, according to Boeing. In the latest news release, Boeing reports that the production of the 787 Dreamliner is “on schedule”.
FAA Denied Certification of 787
Throughout planning and production of the Dreamliner, Boeing has come up against several major obstacles. The first obstacle was denied certification by the FAA. The FAA denied certification because the airplane’s computer system allowed, “new kinds of passenger connectivity to previously isolated data networks connected for systems that perform functions required to the safe operation of the airplane” (Risk Management Magazine, March 2008).
The FAA found that the computers onboard the new commercial airlines could be vulnerable to cyber terrorism attacks because the integrated computer system uses the same Internet connection as passengers. The FAA requires “special conditions” before the Dreamliner can be certified, meaning there needs to be a barrier between passenger data and the flight control system data.
Problems with Outsourcing
The second obstacle Boeing had to tackle was a problem with outsourcing production of the airliner components. The bulk of Boeing’s previous models have been built and assembled onsite in Seattle, Washington. However, in order to save costs on the multi-billion dollar project, Boeing looked to worldwide independent suppliers for much of the preassembly process. The problems lie in the fact that Boeing’s suppliers then outsourced their work, for even the smallest parts. So, delays on smaller components resulted in delays to the overall production and assembly of the 787s.
Boeing 787 Models
The new Boeing 787 models are more efficient and environmentally friendly. The Dreamliners use 20% less fuel than today’s similarly sized airplanes. The 787 models are lighter, composed of 50% composite materials. The 787 Dreamliner is lighter than its competitor, the European Airbus, model A350-XWB. The 787 models will have a larger capacity for cargo, and increased comfort for passengers in the interior. Boeing outlines the 787 models according to passenger limits and distance traveled:
- 787-8 model carries 210-250 passengers for lengths of 7,650-8,200 nautical miles (14,200-15,200 kilometers)
- 787-9 model carries 250-290 passengers for lengths of 8,000-8,500 nautical miles (14,800-15,750 kilometers)
- 787-3 model carries 290-330 passengers, optimized for shorter routes of 2,500-3,050 nautical miles (4,600-5,650 kilometers)
As the Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders begin to be filled, most U.S. and worldwide airlines will utilize these more fuel efficient, sleek airliners for their busiest flights. Although production has taken longer than expected, the Dreamliner is well worth the wait.
Source
Urbelis, Rebecca. Boeing's Dreamliner Still Grounded. Risk Management Magazine, March 2008.
