Boeing 777

Infobox Aircraft
subtemplate=Infobox Boeing Aircraft
name =Boeing 777



caption =Boeing 777-200 of United Airlines, the launch customer of the 777
type =Wide-body jet airliner
national origin = United States
manufacturer =Boeing Commercial Airplanes
designer =
first flight =June 12 1994
introduction =June 7 1995 with United Airlines
retired =
status = Active
primary user = Singapore Airlines
more users = Emirates Airline United Airlines Air France
produced =1993 - present
number built = 736 as of August 2008
unit cost = US$200-254 million (2007) [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/prices/ Boeing Commercial Airplanes prices] , The Boeing Company. Retrieved: 10 September 2007.]
variants with their own articles =

The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The world's largest twinjet and commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven", it can carry between 283 and 368 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a range from 5,235 to 9,450 nautical miles (9,695 to 17,500 km). Distinguishing features of the 777 include the six wheels on each main landing gear,Norris, Guy and Wagner, Mark. "Boeing Jetliners." Zenith Imprint, 1996, p. 89. ISBN 0760300348] its circular fuselage cross section, [Norris and Wagner (1996), p. 92] the largest diameter turbofan engines of any aircraft, the pronounced "neck" huh? aft of the flight deck, and the blade-like end to the tail cone.

As of August 2008, 56 customers have placed orders for 1,092 777s. [http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=777&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=777&ViewReportF=View+Report 777 Model Orders and Deliveries summary] , Boeing. July 2008. Retrieved 14 August 2008.] Direct market competitors to the 777 are the Airbus A330-300, A340, and A350 XWB, which is currently under development. The 777 may eventually be replaced by a new product family, the Boeing Y3, which would draw upon technologies from the 787.

Development

Background

In the 1970s, Boeing unveiled new models: the twin-engine 757 to replace the venerable 727, the twin-engine 767 to challenge the Airbus A300, and a trijet 777 concept to compete with the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. [cite news | title = The 1980s Generation | publisher = Time | date = August 14, 1978 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,946981,00.html | accessdate = 2008-07-19] Based on a re-winged 767 design, the proposed 275-seat 777 was to be offered in two variants: a 2,700 nautical miles (5,000 km) transcontinental and an 4,320 nmi (8,000 km) intercontinental.

The twinjets were a big success, due in part to the 1980s ETOPS regulations. However the trijet 777 was cancelled (much like the trijet concept of the Boeing 757) in part because of the complexities of a trijet design and the absence of a 40,000 lbf (178 kN) engine. The cancellation left Boeing with a huge size and range gap in its product line between the 767-300ER and the 747-400. The DC-10 and L-1011, which entered service in early 1970s, were also due for replacement. In the meantime, Airbus developed the A340 to fulfill that requirement and to compete with Boeing.

Design phase

In the mid-1980s Boeing produced proposals for an enlarged 767, dubbed 767X. There were also a number of in-house designations for proposals, of which the 763-246 was one internal designation that was mentioned in public. [cite web|url=http://webarsiv.hurriyet.com.tr/2000/01/02/168791.asp|title=Hurriyet.com - Kokpit|language=Turkish|last=Cebeci|first=Uğur] The 767X had a longer fuselage and larger wings than the existing 767, and seated about 340 passengers with a maximum range of 7,300 nautical miles (13,500 kilometers). The airlines were unimpressed with the 767X: they wanted short to intercontinental range capability, a bigger cabin cross section, a fully flexible cabin configuration and an operating cost lower than any 767 stretch. By 1988 Boeing realized that the only answer was a new design, the 777 twinjet. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p. 9-14]

Designing of the 777 was different from previous Boeing jetliners. For the first time, eight major airlines (Cathay Pacific, American, Delta, ANA, BA, JAL, Qantas, and United) had a role in the development of the plane as part of a "Working Together" collaborative model employed for the 777 project.cite book| last = Birtles | first = Philip | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Boeing 777, Jetliner for New Century | publisher = MBI Publishing| date = 1998 | location = | id = ISBN 0-7603-0581-1 ]

At the first "Working Together" meeting in January 1990, a 23-page questionnaire was distributed to the airlines, asking each what it wanted in the new design. By March 1990 a basic design for the 767X had been decided upon; a cabin cross-section close to the 747's, 325 passengers, fly-by-wire controls, glass cockpit, flexible interior, and 10% better seat-mile costs than the A330 and MD-11. ETOPS was also a priority for United Airlines. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p.13]

All software, whether produced internally to Boeing or externally, was to be written in Ada. The bulk of the work was undertaken by Honeywell who developed an Airplane Information Management System (AIMS). This handles the flight and navigation displays, systems monitoring and data acquisition (e.g. flight data acquisition).

United's replacement program for its aging DC-10s became a focus for Boeing's designs. The new aircraft needed to be capable of flying three different routes; Chicago to Hawaii, Chicago to Europe and non-stop from the hot and high Denver to Hawaii. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p.14]

In October 1990, United Airlines became the launch customer when it placed an order for 34 Pratt & Whitney-powered 777s with options on a further 34. [cite news | title = Business Notes AIRCRAFT | publisher = Time | date = October 29, 1990 | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,971474,00.html | accessdate = 2008-07-19] Production of the first aircraft began in January 1993 at Boeing's Everett plant near Seattle."Sabbagh, p. 180".] In the same month, the 767X was officially renamed the 777, and a team of United 777 developers joined other airline teams and the Boeing team at the Boeing Everett Factory. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p.15] Divided into 240 design teams of up to 40 members, working on individual components of the aircraft, almost 1,500 design issues were addressed. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p.20]

The 777 was the first commercial aircraft to be designed entirely on computer. Everything was created on a 3D CAD software system known as CATIA, sourced from Dassault Systemes. This allowed a virtual 777 to be assembled, in simulation, to check for interferences and to verify proper fit of the many thousands of parts before costly physical prototypes were manufactured." [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/pf/pf_computing.html Computing & Design/Build Processes Help Develop the 777] ." Boeing Commercial Airplanes.] Boeing was initially not convinced of the abilities of the program, and built a mock-up of the nose section to test the results. It was so successful that all further mock-ups were cancelled. [Norris and Wagner (1996), p.21]

Into production

The 777 included substantial international content, to be exceeded only by the 787. International contributors included Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (fuselage panels), Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (center wing section), [cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/boejapan.html |title=Boeing Co. and Japan - 777 program partners |publisher= Boeing ] Hawker De Havilland (elevators), ASTA (rudder)Sabbagh, p. 112-114.] and Ilyushin (jointly designed overhead baggage compartment). [cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1998/news_release_980609b.html |title=Boeing 777 Technical Research Center 777 joint design |date= 9 June 1998 |publisher= Boeing ]

On April 9 1994 the first 777, WA001, was rolled out in a series of fifteen ceremonies held during the day to accommodate the 100,000 invited guests."Sabbagh, p. 281 - 284".] First flight took place on June 14 1994, piloted by 777 Chief Test Pilot John E. Cashman, marking the start of an eleven month flight test program more extensive than that seen on any previous Boeing model. [cite web | title = Chronology Of The Boeing 777 Program | url = http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/pf/pf_milestones.html |publisher= Boeing | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070609173529/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/pf/pf_milestones.html | archivedate=2007-06-09 | accessdate = 2008-07-19 ]

On May 15 1995 Boeing delivered the first 777, registered N777UA, to United Airlines. The FAA awarded 180 minute ETOPS clearance ("ETOPS-180") for PW4074 engined 777-200s on May 30 1995, making the 777 the first aircraft to carry an ETOPS-180 rating at its entry into service. [180 minutes ETOPS approval was granted to the General Electric GE90 powered 777 on October 3 1996, and to the Rolls-Royce Trent 800 powered 777 on October 10 1996.] The 777's first commercial flight took place on June 7 1995 from London's Heathrow Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport. The development, testing, and delivery of the 777 was the subject of the documentary series, "21st century Jet: The Building of the 777".

In 1996 Japan Air System held an airplane livery design contest for its 777. [cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/boejapan.html |title=The Boeing Company and Japan |publisher= Boeing |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070705115614/http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/boejapan.html |archivedate=2007-07-05] "cite web |url=http://www.jas.co.jp/new777/e/g.htm |title=JAS B777 Rainbow Design Competition |publisher= Japan Air System|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20010618235100/www.jas.co.jp/new777/e/g.htm |archivedate=2001-06-18] ] The winning design was featured on the JAS 777 for the airline's 25th anniversary in April 1997. [cite web |url=http://www.jas.co.jp/new777/e/indexe.htm |title=Rainbow Design Competition/Presenting the result |publisher= Japan Air System |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/19990117061858/www.jas.co.jp/new777/e/indexe.htm |archivedate=1999-01-17]

Due to rising fuel costs, airlines began looking at the Boeing 777 as a fuel-efficient alternative compared to other widebody jets.cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23853824-23349,00.html|title=Boeing under pressure as demand rises for fuel-saver 777 |date=June 13, 2008|publisher= The Australian Business|last=Thomas|first=Geoffrey|accessdate=2008-06-20] With modern engines, having extremely low failure rates (as seen in the ETOPS certification of most twinjets) and increased power output, four engines are no longer necessary except for very large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 or Boeing 747.

Singapore Airlines is the largest operator of the Boeing 777 family with 76 in service as of 2008. [ [http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Singapore-Airlines Singapore Airlines fleet listing] , Plane-spotters.net. Retrieved 15 August, 2008.] Emirates Airline is second with 60 777s as of 2008. [ [http://www.plane-spotters.net/Airline/Emirates?show=all Emirates Airline fleet listing] , Plane-spotters.net. Retrieved 15 August, 2008.]

Design

Boeing employed advanced technologies in the 777. These features included:
* The largest and most powerful turbofan engines on a commercial airliner with a 128 inch (3.25 m) fan diameter on the GE90-115B1.

* Honeywell LCD glass cockpit flight displays
* Fully digital fly-by-wire flight controls with emergency manual reversion
* Fully software-configurable avionics
* Electronic flight bag
* Lighter design including use of composites (12% by weight) [cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787family/programfacts.html |title=Boeing 787 Program Fact Sheet|accessdate=2008-07-19]
* Raked wingtips
* Fiber optic avionics network
* The largest landing gear and the largest tires ever used in a commercial jetliner. Each main gear tire of a 777-300ER carries a maximum rated load of 64,583 lb (29,294 kg) when the aircraft is fully loaded, the heaviest load per tire of any production aircraft ever built.

The 777 has the same Section 41 as the 767. This refers to the part of the aircraft from the tip of the nose, going to just behind the cockpit windows. From a head-on view, the end of the section is very evident. This is where the bulk of the aircraft's avionics are stored.

Boeing made use of work done on the cancelled Boeing 7J7, which had validated many of the chosen technologies. A notable design feature is Boeing's decision to retain conventional control yokes rather than fit sidestick controllers as used in many fly-by-wire fighter aircraft and in some Airbus transports. Boeing viewed the traditional yoke and rudder controls as being more intuitive for pilots.

Folding wingtips were offered when the 777 was launched, this feature was meant to appeal to airlines who might use the aircraft in gates made to accommodate smaller aircraft, but no airline has purchased this option. [cite web|url=http://www.faa.gov/ATS/asc/publications/TACTICAL/LGATac.pdf|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20040924063450/http://www.faa.gov/ATS/asc/publications/TACTICAL/LGATac.pdf|archivedate=2004-09-24|title=FAA publication|format=PDF] [ [https://www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Acceptance_Reps/Boeing_777.pdf Type Acceptance Report - Boeing 777] ]

Interiors

The interior of the Boeing 777, also known as the Boeing Signature Interior, has since been used on other aircraft, including the 767-400ER, 747-400ER, and newer 767-200s and 767-300s. The interior on the Next Generation 737 and the Boeing 757-300 also borrows elements from the 777 interior, introducing larger, more rounded overhead bins than the 737 Classics and 757-200, and curved ceiling panels. The 777 also features larger, more rounded, windows than most other aircraft. The 777-style windows were later adopted on the 767-400ER and Boeing 747-8. The Boeing 787 and Boeing 747-8 will feature a new interior evolved from the 777-style interior and, in the case of the 787, will have even larger windows.

Some 777s also have crew rest areas in the crown area above the cabin. Separate crew rests can be included for the flight and cabin crew, with a two-person crew rest above the forward cabin between the first and second doors, [cite web|url=http://www.fromthecockpit.com/Gallery/displayimage.php?album=3&pos=10|title=From the Cockpit—777 forward crew rest] and a larger overhead crew rest further aft with multiple bunks.

Variants

Boeing uses two characteristics to define their 777 models. The first is the fuselage size, which affects the number of passengers and amount of cargo that can be carried. The 777-200 and derivatives are the base size. A few years later, the aircraft was stretched into the 777-300.

The second characteristic is range. Boeing defined these three segments:
* "A market": 3,900 to 5,200 nautical miles (7,223 to 9,630 km)cite web |url=http://airtransportbiz.free.fr/Aircraft/777X-1.html |title="Boeing 777X |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060103195219/http://airtransportbiz.free.fr/Aircraft/777X-1.html |archivedate=2006-01-03." Mengus, A. AirTransportBiz.com (archive.org page).]
* "B market": 5,800 to 7,700 nautical miles (10,742 to 14,260 km)
* "C market": 8,000 nautical miles (14,816 km) and greater

These markets are also used to compare the 777 to its competitor, the Airbus A340.

When referring to variants of the 777, Boeing and the airlines often collapse the model (777) and the capacity designator (200 or 300) into a smaller form, either 772 or 773. Subsequent to that they may or may not append the range identifier. So the base 777-200 may be referred to as a "772" or "772A", while a 777-300ER would be referred to as a "773ER", "773B" or "77W". Any of these notations may be found in aircraft manuals or airline timetables. [cite web |url=http://www.airlinecodes.co.uk/arctypes.asp |title=IATA & ICAO Aircraft Type Codes on airlinecodes.co.uk]

Initial models

777-200

The 777-200 (772A) was the initial A-market model. The first customer delivery was to United Airlines Airreg|N|777UA|agency in May 1995. It is available with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) from 505,000 to 545,000 pounds (229 to 247 tonnes) and range capability between 3,780 and 5,235 nautical miles (7,000 to 9,695 km).

The -200 is currently powered by two 77,000 lbf (343 kN) Pratt & Whitney PW4077 turbofans, 77,000 lbf (343 kN) General Electric GE90-77Bs, or 76,000 lbf (338 kN) Rolls Royce Trent 877s. [ [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/pf/pf_200product.html 777-200/-200ER Technical Characteristics] , Boeing.]

The first 777-200 built was used by Boeing's non-destructive testing (NDT) campaign in 1994–1995, and provided valuable data for the -200ER and -300 programs (see below). This "A market" aircraft was sold to Cathay Pacific Airways and delivered in December 2000.

The direct equivalent from Airbus is the Airbus A330-300. A total of 88 -200s have been delivered to ten different customers, and 86 -200s were in airline service as of August 2008."World Airliner Census", "Flight International", 19-25 August 2008.]

777-200ER

Originally known as the 777-200IGW (for "increased gross weight"), the longer-range "B market" 777-200ER (772B) features additional fuel capacity, with increased MTOW range from 580,000 to 631,000 pounds (263 to 286 tonnes) and range capability between 6,000 and 7,700 nautical miles (11,000 to 14,260 km). "ER" stands for Extended Range. The first 777-200ER was delivered to British Airways in February 1997, [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/background.html The Boeing 777 Program Background] , Boeing] who also were the first carrier to launch, in 2001, a 10 abreast economy configuration in this airframe, which had originally been designed for a maximum 9 abreast configuration.

The 777-200ER can be powered by any two of a number of engines: the 84,000 lbf (374 kN) Pratt & Whitney PW4084 or Rolls-Royce Trent 884, the 85,000 lbf (378 kN) GE90-85B, the 90,000 lbf (400 kN) PW4090, GE90-90B1, or Trent 890, or the 92,000 lbf (409 kN) GE90-92B or Trent 892. In 1998 Air France took delivery of a 777-200ER powered by GE90-94B engines capable of 94,000 lbf (418 kN) thrust. The Rolls Royce Trent 800 is the leading engine for the 777 with a market share of 43%. The engine is used on the majority of 777-200s, ERs and 300s but is not offered for the 200LR and 300ER. [ cite web | title = Leading engine for the 777 | url = http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil_aerospace/products/airlines/trent800/default.jsp | accessdate = 2008-07-19 .]

On March 1997, China Southern Airlines made history by flying the 1st Boeing 777 scheduled transpacific route, which was the flagship Guangzhou-Los Angeles route. On April 2 1997, a Boeing 777-200ER, tail registration airreg|9M|MRA (dubbed the "Super Ranger") of Malaysia Airlines, broke the Great Circle "Distance Without Landing" record for an airliner by flying east (the long way) from Boeing Field, Seattle, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a distance of 20,044 km (10,823 nmi), in 21 hours, 23 minutes, more than a scheduled range of the 777-200LR. The flight was non-revenue with no passengers on board. The -200ER is also recognized for another feat; the longest ETOPS-related emergency flight diversion (177 minutes under one engine power) was conducted on a United Airlines' Boeing 777-200ER carrying 255 passengers on March 17 2003 over the southern Pacific Ocean. [ cite web | title = ALPA 50th Annual Safety Awards | url = http://www.alpa.org/DesktopModules/ALPA_Documents/ALPA_DocumentsView.aspx?itemid=1049&ModuleId=1284&Tabid=256 | accessdate = 2008-06-07 ]

The direct equivalents to the 777-200ER from Airbus are the Airbus A340-300 and the proposed A350-900. As of August 2008, 407 777-200ERs had been delivered with 32 unfilled orders. As of August 2008, 397 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft were in airline service.

777-300

The stretched A market 777-300 (773A) is designed as a replacement for 747-100s and -200s. Compared to the older 747s, the stretched 777 has comparable passenger capacity and range, and also burns one third less fuel and has 40% lower maintenance costs.

It features a 33 ft 3 in (10.1 m) fuselage stretch over the baseline 777-200, allowing seating for up to 550 passengers in a single class high density configuration and is also 29,000 pounds (13 tonnes) heavier. The 777-300 has tailskid and ground maneuvering cameras mounted on the horizontal tail and underneath the forward fuselage to aid pilots during taxi due to the aircraft's length.

It was awarded type certification simultaneously from the U.S. FAA and European JAA and was granted 180 min ETOPS approval on May 4 1998 and entered service with Cathay Pacific later in that month.

The typical operating range with 368 three-class passengers is 6,015 nautical miles (11,135 km). It is typically powered by two of the following engines: 90,000 lbf (400 kN) PW4090 turbofans, 92,000 lbf (409 kN) Trent 892 or General Electric GE90-92Bs, or 98,000 lbf (436 kN) PW-4098s.

Since the introduction of the -300ER in 2004, all operators have selected the ER version of the -300 model, in some cases replacing 747-400 aircraft. The 777-300ER, with 365 seats, is capacious enough to displace 747-400 configured with 416 seats, and burns 20% less fuel per trip than the latter. Operators try to maintain operating margins by retaining first-class and business-class seats and reducing economy seating on flights that previously were served by the 747; Japan Airlines is introducing semi-partitioned "suites" that offer each passenger 20% more space than current first class seating. [JAL Is Upgrading Some Seats, Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2008, p.D2] Air New Zealand will replace all of its 747-400s with the 777-300ER.

This aircraft has no direct Airbus equivalent but the A340-600 is offered in competition. A total of 60 -300s have been delivered to eight different customers, and all were in airline service as of August 2008.

Longer range models

777-200LR

The 777-200LR (772C) ("LR" for "Longer Range") became the world's longest range commercial airliner when it entered service in 2006. Boeing named this plane the "Worldliner", highlighting its ability to connect almost any two airports in the world, [cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/news/2005/q2/nr_050610g.html|title=Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner Arrives at Paris Air Show|date=2005-06-10|publisher=Boeing|accessdate=2008-08-22] although it is still subject to ETOPS restrictions. It is capable of flying 9,450 nautical miles (17,501.40 km, equivalent to 7/16 of the earth's circumference) in 18 hours. Developed alongside the 777-300ER, the 777-200LR achieves this with either 110,000 lbf (489 kN) thrust General Electric GE90-110B1 turbofans, or as an option, GE90-115B turbofans used on the -300ER.

Rolls Royce originally offered the Trent 8104 engine with a thrust of 104,000 to 114,000 lbf (463 to 507 kN) that has been tested up to 117,000 lbf (520 kN). However, Boeing and Rolls Royce could not agree on risk sharing on the project so the engine was eventually not offered to customers. Instead GE agreed on risk-sharing for the development of long range derivatives of the Boeing 777. The agreement stipulated that only GE engines would be offered on the 777-200LR and 777-300ER. [cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/1999/07/21/54116/777-operators-object-to-ge-as-sole-supplier.html|title=777 operators object to GE as sole supplier|date=1999-07-21|publisher=Flight International|accessdate=2008-06-06]

The 777-200LR was initially proposed as a 777-100X. [ [http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1995/news.release.950710-c.html "Boeing Looking Ahead to 21st century"] , Boeing, July 10, 1995.] It would have been a shortened version of the 777-200, analogous to the Boeing 747SP. The shorter fuselage would allow more of the take-off weight to be dedicated to fuel tankage, increasing the range. Because the aircraft would have carried fewer passengers than the 777-200 while having similar operating costs, it would have had a higher cost per seat. With the advent of more powerful engines the 777-100X proposal was replaced by the 777X program, which evolved into the Longer Range 777-200LR.

The -200LR features a significantly increased MTOW and three optional auxiliary fuel tanks manufactured by Marshall Aerospace in the rear cargo hold. [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/200LR/auxtanks_fuel.html 777-200LR Auxiliary Fuel Tanks] at Boeing.com] Other new features include raked wingtips, a new main landing gear and additional structural strengthening. The roll-out was on February 15 2005 and the first flight was at March 8, 2005. The second prototype made its first flight on May 24, 2005. The -200LR's entry into service was in January 2006. The only mass-produced aircraft with greater unrefueled range is the KC-10 Extender military tanker.

On November 10 2005, a 777-200LR set a record for the longest non-stop flight by passenger airliner by flying 11,664 nautical miles (13,422 statute miles, or 21,602 km) eastwards (the westerly great circle route is only 5,209 nautical miles) from Hong Kong, China, to London, UK, [cite book |title=Guinness World Records |page=p. 200 |year=2007 |publisher=HiT Entertainment |location=London; New York City |isbn=9780973551440] taking 22 hours and 42 minutes. This was logged into the Guinness World Records and surpassed the 777-200LR's design range of 9,450 nmi with 301 passengers and baggage. [ [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/news/2005/q4/nr_051110g.html "Boeing 777-200LR Sets New World Record for Distance"] , Boeing, November 10, 2005.]

On February 2 2006, Boeing announced that the 777-200LR had been certified by both FAA and EASA to enter into passenger service with airlines. [ [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/news/2006/q1/060202e_nr.html "Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner Certified to Carry Passengers Around the World"] , Boeing, February 2, 2006.] The first Boeing 777-200LR was delivered to Pakistan International Airlines on February 26 2006 and the second on March 23 2006. PIA has at least nine 777s in service and the company plans to replace all of its older jets with the series.

Other customers include Air India and Turkmenistan Airlines. In November 2005, Air Canada confirmed an order for the jets. Also that month Emirates Airline announced they bought ten -200LRs as part of a larger 777 order (42 in all). On September 12 2006, Qatar Airways announced firm orders for the Boeing 777-200LR along with Boeing 777-300ER. [ [http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&month=September2006&file=Local_News200609123265.xml Qatar Airways confirms 777 orders] .] On October 10 2006, Delta Air Lines announced two firm orders of the aircraft to add to its long-haul routes and soon after announced three more orders. [cite web | url=http://news.delta.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=10431 | title=Delta Air Lines First U.S. Carrier to Take Delivery of Boeing 777-200LR | accessdate=2008-07-19.] Air New Zealand is looking at the possibility of using the 777-200LR variant to add to their -200ERs for a new Auckland to New York route, beginning an ultra-long range route. Later, Air New Zealand elected to focus on the Boeing 787 and 777-300ER for future plans instead. [cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2006/10/30/210267/air-new-zealands-rob-fyfe-completes-restructuring-and-plots.html|title=Air New Zealand’s Rob Fyfe completes restructuring and plots expansion|date=2006-10-30|publisher=Flight International|last=Sobie|first=Brendan|accessdate=2008-07-19]

The closest Airbus equivalent is the A340-500HGW. The proposed future A350-900R model, aims to have a range up to 9,500 nautical miles or 17,600 km. As of August 2008, 20 777-200LR aircraft had been delivered with 25 unfilled orders. A total of 19 -200LRs were in airline service as of August 2008.

777-300ER

The 777-300ER is the Extended Range (ER) version of the 777-300 and contains many modifications, including the GE90-115B engines, which are the world's most powerful jet engine with 115,300 lbf (513 kN) thrust. Other features include raked wingtips, a new main landing gear, extra fuel tanks (2,600 gallons), as well as strengthened fuselage, wings, empennage, nose gear, engine struts and nacelles, and a higher MTOW, 775,000 lb versus 660,000 lb for the 777-300. The maximum range is 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777-300ER program was launched by Air France, though for political reasons, Japan Airlines was advertised as the launch customer. The first flight of the 777-300ER was February 24 2003. Delivery of the first 777-300ER to Air France occurred on April 29 2004.

The main reason for the 777-300ER's extra 1,935 nmi (3,550 km) range over the 777-300 is not merely the capacity for an extra 2,600 gallons of fuel (45,220 to 47,890 gal), but the increase in the maximum take-off weight (MTOW).

The -300ER is slightly less fuel efficient than the regular -300 because it weighs slightly more and has engines that produce more thrust. Both the -300 and -300ER weigh approximately 360,000 lb empty and have the same passenger and payload capacity, but the ER has a higher MTOW and therefore can carry about 110,000 lb more fuel than the -300. This enables the -300ER to fly roughly 34% farther with the same passengers and cargo. Without the increase in fuel capacity due to larger fuel tanks, the -300ER's range would still be 25% greater at equal payload. In a maximum payload situation, the -300 would only be able to fill its fuel tanks about 60%, while the -300ER could be filled to full capacity.

Since the introduction of the -300ER, six years after the -300's first delivery, all orders for the -300 series have been the ER variant. The 777-300ER's direct Airbus equivalent is the A340-600HGW; however, as noted above, this model is also displacing the 747-400 as fuel prices rise, airline passenger traffic drops and airlines look for every opportunity to save fuel and fill airplanes with higher-margin customers.

The 777-300ER has been test flown with only one working engine for as long as six hours and 29 minutes (389 minutes) over the Pacific Ocean as part of its Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) trials. 180 minutes of successful and reliable operation on one workable engine are required for the ETOPS 180-minute certification.

As of August 2008, 156 777-300ERs had been delivered with 223 unfilled orders. Additional firm commitments are believed to have been signed, as some airlines intend to use the 777 as a stopgap while they await the arrival of the delayed Boeing 787.

777 Freighter

The 777 Freighter (777F) is an all-cargo version of the 777-200LR. The 777F is expected to enter service in late 2008. [cite web|url=http://boeing.com/commercial/777family/news/2005/q2/nr_050524g.html|title=Boeing Launches New 777 Freighter] It amalgamates features from the 777-200LR and the 777-300ER, using the -200LR's structural upgrades and 110,000 lbf (489 kN) GE90-110B1 engines, combined with the fuel tanks and undercarriage of the -300ER.

With a maximum payload of 103 tons, the 777F's capacity will be similar to the 112 tons of the 747-400F, with a nearly identical payload density. As Boeing's forthcoming 747-8 will offer greater payload than the -400F, Boeing is targeting the 777F as a replacement for older 747F and MD-11F freighters. It was launched on May 23 2005.

The 777F promises improved operating economics compared to existing 100+ ton payload freighters. With the same fuel capacity as the 777-300ER, the 777F will have a range of 4,895 nmi (9,065 km) at maximum payload, although greater range will be possible if less weight is carried. For example, parcel and other carriers which are more concerned with volume than weight will be able to make non-stop trans-Pacific flights.

Airbus currently has no comparable aircraft but is developing two models with similar specifications to the 777F. The A330-200F will carry less payload but is a smaller and a cheaper alternative. With a capacity of around 90 tons the proposed A350-900F will be a more capable competitor, although slightly smaller than the 777F. The MD-11F is another comparable aircraft but with less range than the 777F. When the 777F enters service in 2008, it is expected to be the longest-range freighter in the world. The 747-400ERF can carry more cargo and travel farther than the 777F, but the 747-8F replacing it will have less range than the 747-400ERF in the interest of more payload.

On November 7 2006, FedEx Express cancelled its order of ten Airbus A380-800Fs, citing the delays in delivery. FedEx Express said it would buy 15 777Fs instead, with an option to purchase 15 additional 777Fs. [http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20061107-1333-france-airbus.html "FedEx Express cancels order for 10 Airbus A380s, orders 15 Boeing 777s"] . Frost, L. "The San Diego Union-Tribune". November 7, 2006.] FedEx's CEO stated that " [t] he availability and delivery timing of this aircraft, coupled with its attractive payload range and economics, make this choice the best decision for FedEx."

Air France-KLM has signed on as the 777F launch customer. The order is for five aircraft with the first delivery in 2008. In May 2008, there were firm orders for 78 777 freighters from 11 airlines. [cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/05/23/224065/boeing-777f-makes-its-debut-ahead-of-flight-test-phase.html
title=Boeing 777F makes its debut ahead of flight test phase|date=2008-05-23|publisher=Flight International|last=Trimble|first=Stephen|accessdate=2008-06-06]

On May 19 2008, Boeing released a photo of the first 777 Freighter emerging from Boeing's paint hangar in Everett, Washington. [ [http://boeing.com/commercial/777family/news/2008/q2/080519c_pr.html First Boeing 777 Freighter Leaves Paint Hangar] , Boeing, May 19, 2008.] On May 21 2008, the 777F made an official rollout ceremony in Everett, Washington. The first 777F took off on its inaugural flight at 10 AM July 14 2008 from Paine Field. [ [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/news/2008/q3/080714c_nr.html "Boeing 777 Freighter Makes First Flight"] , Boeing, 14 July 2008.] A total of 75 777Fs are on order as of August 2008.

777 Tanker (KC-777)

The KC-777 is a proposed tanker version of the 777. In September 2006, Boeing publicly announced that it was ready and willing to produce the KC-777, if the USAF requires a bigger tanker than the KC-767. In addition the tanker will be able to transport cargo or personnel. [ [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/286578_air27.html "Aerospace Notebook: Boeing now offers the 777 as a tanker"] , Seattle PI, September 27, 2006.] [ [http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/november/cover.pdf "Ready to Fill 'er Up"] , Boeing November 2006.] Boeing instead offered its KC-767 Advanced Tanker for U.S. Air Force's KC-X competition in April 2007. [ [http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2007/q2/070411b_nr.html "Boeing Submits KC-767 Advanced Tanker Proposal to U.S. Air Force"] , Boeing, April 11, 2007.]

Operators

Incidents

As of July 2008, six incidents, including one hull-loss accident involving 777s had occurred, [ [http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type.php?type=107 Boeing 777 summary] , "Aviation-Safety.net". Accessed 23 March 2008.] resulting in no fatalities among passengers or crew. [ [http://aviation-safety.net/database/type/type-stat.php?type=107 "Boeing 777 Accident Statistics"] , "Aviation-Safety.net", 3 December 2007.]

Notable incidents

*The only known fatality involving a Boeing 777 occurred in a refueling fire at Denver International Airport on September 5, 2001, during which a ground worker sustained fatal burns. [ [http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20010905-1 British Airways Flight 2019 ground fire] , Aviation Safety Network.] Although the aircraft's wings were badly scorched, it was repaired and put back into service with British Airways.
*On October 18, 2002, An Air France Boeing 777-200 en route from Paris to Los Angeles made an emergency landing in Churchill, Manitoba when a small fire broke out by the front left windshield in the cockpit. Passengers in rows 42–-44 were the first to notice the odor and alert the flight crew. The aircraft dumped fuel over Hudson Bay before landing at Churchill. Because Churchill's airport does not regularly handle aircraft the size of a 777-200 the passengers deplaned using the slides. [cite web| url=http://www.tsb.gc.ca/en/reports/air/2002/a02c0227/a02c0227.asp| title=Reports: Report Number A02C0227: Synopsis| date=2002-10-17| publisher=Transportation Safety Board of Canada| accessdate=2008-01-18]
*On August 24, 2004, A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312 had an engine explosion on takeoff at Melbourne Airport. This was caused by erosion of the high pressure compression liners in the Rolls-Royce engines. [cite web|url=http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2004/AAIR/pdf/Report_200403110.pdf|title=Aviation Safety Investigation Report - Final 200403110|format=PDF]
*On March 1, 2005, after a PIA Boeing 777-200ER landed at Manchester International Airport, UK, fire was seen around the left main landing gear. The crew and passengers were evacuated and the fire was extinguished. Some passengers suffered minor injuries and the aircraft sustained minor damage. [cite web|url=http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/cms_resources/AP-BGL%201-06.pdf|title=The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report on 777 AP-BGL incident|format=PDF]
*On August 1, 2005, Malaysia Airlines Flight 124, a 777-200ER had instruments showing conflicting reports of low airspeed on climb-out from Perth, Western Australia en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, then overspeed and stalling. The aircraft started to pitch up at 41,000 feet, and the pilots disconnected the autopilot and made an emergency landing at Perth. No one was injured. Subsequent examination revealed that one of the aircraft's several accelerometers had failed some years before, and another at the time of the incident. [cite web|url=http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2005/AAIR/pdf/aair200503722_001.pdf|title=Aviation Safety Investigation Report - Final 200503722|format=PDF] [cite web|url=http://www.airlinesafety.com/faq/777DataFailure.htm|title=777 Loss of flight air data]
*On January 17, 2008, British Airways Flight 38, a 777-200ER flying from Beijing to London, crash-landed approximately convert|1000|ft|m short of London Heathrow Airport's runway 27L, and slid onto the runway's threshold. There were thirteen injuries and no fatalities. This damaged the landing gear, wing roots and engines, resulting in the type's first hull loss.cite news | title = Interim Management Statement | date = 1 February 2008 | work = Regulatory News Service | publisher = British Airways | url = http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=200802010700330296N] This is believed to have been caused by ice in the fuel system restricting fuel flow to both engines.

pecifications

Sources: Boeing 777 specs,cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/specs.html|title=777 - Technical Information |publisher=Boeing] Boeing 777 Airport planning report,cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/777.htm|title=777 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning |publisher=Boeing] Airliners.net [cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=106|title=The Boeing 777-200|publisher=airliners.net] cite web|url=http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=107 |title=The Boeing 777-300|publisher=airliners.net] *Preliminary range for aircraft not yet in service.

ales and deliveries

* Data through July 2008. Updated on 27 August, 2008. [http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/index.cfm?content=userdefinedselection.cfm&pageid=m15527 "Orders and Deliveries search page"] , The Boeing Company. Retrieved 27 August, 2008.] [http://www.seattle-deliveries.com/777deliveries600-799.htm Boeing 777 deliveries, construction numbers 600-799] , The Boeing Company. Retrieved September 2008]

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Boeing 7J7

similar aircraft=
* Airbus A330-300
* Airbus A340
* Airbus A350
* Ilyushin IL-96
* McDonnell Douglas MD-11

lists=
* List of airliners

see also=

References

Notes

Bibliography

* Norris, Guy and Wagner, Mark (1996), Motorbooks International, "Boeing 777". ISBN 0-7603-0091-7.
* Norris, Guy and Wagner, Mark (1996), Zenith Imprint, "Modern Boeing Jetliners." ISBN 0-7603-0034-8.
* Sabbagh, Karl (1995), Scribner, "21st Century Jet: The Making of the Boeing 777". ISBN 0-333-59803-2.

External links

* [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777family/ Boeing 777 page on Boeing.com]
* [http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/777.htm/ Boeing 777 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning]
* [http://www.aircraft-info.net/aircraft/jet_aircraft/boeing/777-200/ Boeing 777-200 page on Aircraft-Info.net]
* [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=106 Boeing 777-200] and [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=107 777-300 pages on Airliners.net]
* [http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/boeing777/ Boeing 777 news and information on aerospace-technology.com]