Boeing's 787 Dreamliner Hits The Skies For The First Time
In the image above, you witness the first second that the much delayed but much beloved Boeing 787 Dreamliner lists off the ground. The plane, whose original test flight was scheduled for two years ago, finally hit the skies around 1:30pm EST today, taking off from Seattle's Paine Field.
The event was presented with a live videocast on Boeing's website and on CNN, and we watched the behemoth taxi and then finally leave the runway, with two military jets in tow for monitoring, weather scouting, and photography purposes. The plane's first flight today is important for more than the reason that the two years of delays have ended, but because the 787 Dreamliner is made of composite materials, said to be fuel-efficient, and boasting new designs for everything from the wings to the size of the windows. It's not near as large as the new Airbus A380, but that's not the point; the Dreamliner is meant to be better and not simply bigger.
Taking off with the military jet by its side
And the idea of a better, more fuel-efficient plane is looking mighty fine to airline these days, since Boeing reports that 55 companies have ponied up orders that amount to 840 Dreamliners already sold. The new design of the 787 will majorly benefit its passengers as well, with boasts such as how its overhead luggage compartments are the first designed with roll-aboards in mind.
Flying high.
It's still in the air as we write this story, and Boeing says to expect some sweet in-air video and photos later when the military jets and the newbie plane land. But so far, so good for the Dreamliner. Congratulations to Boeing on their baby.
Related Stories:
· 787 Dreamliner [Official Boeing Site]
· Boeing 787 [Wiki]
· Today's The Day For Boeing's New 787 Dreamliner To Take Flight [Jaunted]
· Boeing 787 coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: Boeing's low-res livecast]
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