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https://787firstflight.newairplane.com/ffindex.html now to watch the takeoff on a webcast.
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Not likely.vagt6 said:...BUT, nowadays with fuel economy at the forefront and fossil fuel costs escalating, maybe engine technology will evolve at a faster rate, rendering these big planes obsolete? ...
PC said:Not likely.vagt6 said:...BUT, nowadays with fuel economy at the forefront and fossil fuel costs escalating, maybe engine technology will evolve at a faster rate, rendering these big planes obsolete? ...
First off, big planes aren't like big cars, a luxury people were willing to pay for when gas was cheap. Big planes use <span style="font-style: italic">less</span> fuel than their smaller counterparts (per passenger mile traveled).
That's why Airbus is banking on the megabuck, mega<span style="font-style: italic">huge</span> A380.
Of course, that only works if they fill the planes. Which is why Boeing is banking on the medium size 787. By using advanced materials and designs 787 should be cheaper to fly on traditional mid-size routes and <span style="font-style: italic">much </span>cheaper to operate on routes that used to require big planes (for range) but don't have the passenger demand to consistently fill big planes.
Secondly, fuel costs have always been an enormous factor in jet operations. Billions and billions of research dollars were already being spent on engine technology. There will be advances, but don't hold your breath waiting for quantum leaps. It's already one of the most scientifically advanced disciplines on the planet.
Fossil fuels' problems of skyrocketing costs, environmental impact and geopolitical headaches will most likely drive big advances quickly in technologies like synthetic and sustainable fuels.
pc.
tony barnhill said:Me an' you both, Doc!