Basic HTML Version
DreamMachine
Nearly every boilerplate air-travel article lists the follow-
ing tips for making flyingmore pleasant: Bring earplugs
or an eyemask to help you sleep, keep themoisturizer
flowing so your skin doesn’t dry out, and throw in a few
carbon-emission offsets to salve your conscience. These
steps only go so far, however, which is why Boeing’s new
787 Dreamliner (making its debut withUnited later this
year) is such big news among frequent flyers, airplane
aficionados and engineers alike. It’s constructed froma
carbon composite that permits larger windows, a quieter
cabin and higher humidity, and increases fuel efficiency
to boot. Long in themaking, it is, by all accounts, a techno-
logical marvel. Here’s how they did it.
BY JACQUELINE DETWILER
1
The 787 ismade primarily of
carbon fiber–reinforced plastic
(CFRP), similar in theory to
steel-reinforced concrete. CFRP
is lighter and stronger thanmetal,
which reduces theweight of the
aircraft. Combinedwith the 787’s
state-of-the-art engine (either
a Rolls-Royce Trent or a General
Electric GEnx), this equals a
20 percent increase in fuel
efficiency. CFRP is also harder to
corrode thanmetal, which allows
for higher humidity in the cabin.
3
The typical airplane interior
is pressurized to create an “alti-
tude” of 8,000 feet—any lower,
and the difference between the
cabin and the outside air would
put undue strain on the walls.
Because CFRP is stronger than
metal, the 787’s interior altitude
can be lowered to 6,000 feet,
reducing the likelihood of pas-
senger fatigue and headaches.
2
Onmost modern airplanes,
HEPAfilters screen the air for
pollen and pathogens but miss
some organic compounds—from
fabrics, paints, foods and passen-
gers themseves—that can irritate
your lungs and sinuses. The 787’s
newgaseous filtration system
absorbs these compounds,
increasing the chances that you’ll
feel better upon arrival.
HOWIT’SDONE
1
2
3
ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW BAKER
HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
•
APRIL 2012
39