Up close with the first Boeing 787-9 (pictures)
Boeing showed off the test version of its 280-passenger, energy-efficient jet at the Farnborough International Airshow. Here's a look at this special test model.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
On July 13, the Boeing 787-9 made its Farnborough debut. It's a longer successor to the 787-8 and can carry 280 passengers, not just 242.
Boeing 787-9 cockpit
The cockpit of the Boeing 787-9, on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The massive wheels of the Boeing 787-9, a 280-passenger energy-efficient jet.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
On July 13, the Boeing 787-9 made its Farnborough debut. It's a longer successor to the 787-8 and can carry 280 passengers, not just 242.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The 787-9 comes with either GE or Rolls-Royce engines, but both are designed to be more efficient than earlier engines.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
A front view of Boeing's 787-9.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The 787-9's head-up display (HUD) overlays electronic information such as the horizon line on the pilot's view of the world.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The first certified model of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has Rolls Royce engines.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
Boeing's 787 family has larger windows so more people can see out. They change from transparent to opaque electronically. At left is completely opaque, at center is transparent, and at right is an intermediate setting.
Boeing 787-9 ballast tanks
The Boeing 787-9 test aircraft has massive water tanks. Up to 7,000 pounds of water can be shifted around to test different weight distribution situations.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
Boeing saved weight on the 787 family with these remote power distribution units (RPDUs). Instead of many running power cables from a central electronics bay, these supply power closer to equipment that needs it, meaning less heavy copper wiring.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
New jet designs mean the 787-9 is less noisy. That means it can save weight on cabin soundproofing, too.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The back of the first 787-9 has coiled tubing extended from the back of the plane's tail during test flights. It's used to measure the true air pressure to compare with the different higher and lower pressures near the plane.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
This is the first Boeing 787-9 built.
787 chief pilot
Capt. Randy Neville, Boeing's 787 chief pilot, stands in front of the 787-9 he's been flying in tests and demonstrations.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The 787-9 test flight is filled with cabins of diagnostic electronics.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The 787-9 has a backswept wingtip.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
Boeing 787-9 cockpit
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The Boeing 787-9 cockpit.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
A view along the Boeing 787-9 fuselage and wing.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
The Boeing 787-9 engine and characteristic scalloped cowling.
Boeing 787-9 at Farnborough
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Farnborough International Airshow.