Periodically, aviation industry companies are provided the opportunity to conduct flight tests at Edwards given the base’s unique test assets such as multiple runways, a controlled airspace, large dry lakebeds and flying weather
Taken on Aug. 14, 2017, the interesting picture in this post features a Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking off after a touch-and-go landing at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB).
As explained in a U.S. Air Force news release, Boeing has been conducting flight tests with its newest airliner at Edwards recently. Periodically, aviation industry companies are provided the opportunity to conduct flight tests at Edwards given the base’s unique test assets such as multiple runways, controlled airspace, large dry lakebeds, and flying weather.
The Boeing 787 is a mid-size, twin-engine jet. The aircraft is 20% more fuel-efficient than similar-sized commercial jets it is designed to replace, and to date, is Boeing’s most fuel-efficient aircraft. Composite materials make up 50 percent of the primary structure, including the fuselage and wing.
The aircraft also features raked wingtips to further improve fuel efficiency.
Thanks to its unparalleled fuel efficiency and range flexibility the 787 enable carriers to profitably open new routes as well as optimize fleet and network performance.
The engine nacelles are made of serrated edges that reduce the noise levels both outside and inside the cabin, by up to 60%.
Currently, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the only suitable replacement for more than 1,200 similar-sized Airbus A300, A310, A330-200, and Boeing 767 aircraft.
Photo by Paul Weatherman / Boeing