Boeing hits milestone of firm configuration design for the 777-9
Boeing has reached firm configuration of the basic design for the 777-9 airliner, the first of the two variants planned for the new 777X series. This stretched version is about 8.5 ft (2.6 m) longer than the 777-300ER and will also have new composite wings with foldable wing tips along with more fuel-efficient engines.
Boeing will now begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems for the aircraft, with deliveries to customers slated to begin in 2020. All orders announced so far are with commercial airlines but this aircraft will certainly be on the radar of VVIP customers.
The dual engine 777-9 has a projected 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than the A350, with a range of 7,600 nm. Flying range of a VIP version will certainly be higher due to lower passenger load.
The 777-8, which does not have a firm design or delivery date, will have a length between the -200ER and -300ER and a flying range of 8,700 nm.
The new composite wing will draw from lessons learned on the 787 program. It will be 20% larger than the wing of an existing 777, with more flexibility for better aerodynamics.
“The team has followed a disciplined process to complete all of the requirements for this stage of the program,” said Bob Feldmann, Boeing’s 777X program vice president and general manager. “We have an airplane and production system that are on track and on schedule, and we remain laser focused on meeting our commitments to our customers.”
“It’s great to see the airlines and industry team side-by-side with us as we achieve this important milestone,” said Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager of the 777X program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The team has followed a disciplined process to complete all of the requirements for this stage of the program.”
“The program is right where we want it to be,” added Feldmann. “We have an airplane and production system that are on track and on schedule, and we remain laser focused on meeting our commitments to our customers.”