Yesterday saw the first flight of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, an aircraft that can be configured to carry between 250-290 passengers and travel between 8,000 and 8,500 nautical miles whilst using 20 per cent less fuel than an equivalent airplane.
In this video, Dan Smith, director of the innovation centre and technology development of Boeing commercial airplanes talks about the evolution of the aircraft.
A long time ago Boeing announced their ‘Sonic Cruiser’ programme – would fly within a few % of the sound barrier, only use about 20% more fuel.
Next day I sent them an email saying just give us the most fuel efficient plane you can – even if it is slower than what we have now. No reply.
Abt 6 months later Dreamliner announced, Sonic Cruiser never mentioned again.
Just for the record.