Wingspan Boeing 777. Boeing showed the cockpit of the airliner with a folding wing. Commissioning and creation of modifications

Boeing 777 was created for long-distance routes with a solid passenger capacity. It holds the leading position in the world as the largest twin-engine wide-body aircraft. It was the Boeing 777 that set the flight range record among all existing passenger liners - 21,601 km.

Boeing 777 modifications

To date, 6 operating modifications of the aircraft are in operation and 2 are in development.

1. Model 777-200 was originally produced for US carriers. This is the minimum range version for the Boeing 777 family. Now out of production,
2. 777-200ER - extended range modification for international airlines.
3. 777-200LR - has the longest flight range among all the liners of the family. An absolute record was shown on this plane. It can operate a flight without refueling between almost any airport in the world that can accept the liner.
4. 777-300 - has a stretched fuselage. With a one-class cabin layout, it can accommodate up to 550 passengers, which has increased its popularity with Japanese airlines, where routes are busy.
5. The 777-300ER, an extended range version with the most powerful jet engines in the world, is the best-selling Boeing 777 model.
6. 777 Freighter - cargo model of the liner. The excellent operational characteristics of the aircraft - high carrying capacity (103 tons), ease of maintenance, economical fuel consumption made it in demand in the freight transportation market.

Passenger cabin plan

Among the various layout options for the interior, the most popular is the three-class. The capacity of various models ranges from 301 (three classes) to 550 (one class). With a three-class cabin plan, passengers are accommodated in the compartments:

• Business Class;
• comfort class;
• Economy class.

The interior design of the cabin uses few right angles, mostly smooth, rounded lines. Above the seats there are spacious shelves for hand luggage, the lighting is soft, side. Before the advent of the Dreamliner, the Boeing 777 had the largest windows. Airlines can, at will, quickly change the configuration of the cabin, move bathrooms, armchairs, kitchens. The toilet uses the original design of the toilet lid - with the help of a hydraulic hinge, it closes slowly.

Interesting! For the first time in 2003, on the Boeing 777, separate places (beds and armchairs) were equipped for the crew to rest. They are located above the main cabin, equipped with ladders. Some of the beds were installed in the tail. Now they are equipped with other Boeing models.

Business Class

In the business class, the seating arrangement can be of several types, more often it is 2-2-2. In total, there are from two to five rows.

The kitchen and toilets are located in the bow, an additional kitchen unit and bathrooms are located behind the last row.

Business class features:

• wide comfortable chairs, transforming into beds as needed;
• first-class service with a choice of an individual menu;
• liquid crystal monitors for video entertainment.

All seats in business class are considered comfortable, it all depends on the personal inclinations of the passengers.

Comfort class

In the comfort class, the seats have a 2-4-2 layout. Department characteristics:

• the seats are wider and more comfortable than in the economy class, the distance between the rows is also much larger;
• when unfolding the backrest, the seat moves forward somewhat, which does not cause discomfort to the passenger sitting behind;
• places are equipped with individual monitors and large tables;
• passengers are provided with an improved menu.

In total, the “comfort” class occupies 5 rows. The chairs of the first row of this department can be partly recognized as inconvenient places, as they are located immediately behind the business class toilet.

Important! Comfort class passengers do not have their own bathroom and use the toilet in economy class.

Economy class

In the economy class, the most cramped conditions, but there is enough personal space, according to standards. The seats are arranged according to the scheme 3-4-3, and in the tail section, where the fuselage tapers, 2-4-2.

The interior space is divided into 3 parts by emergency exits. There are also restrooms here. Kitchen block at the end of the cabin and in the area of ​​the second emergency exit.

The best places are chairs just behind the emergency exits due to the increased space in front. By numbering, this can be - 17, 24 and 38 row (to be specified with the air carrier). But these same seats are located right behind the toilets, which not everyone will like.

Seats in the rows in front of the toilets will also be hectic. This is the 23rd, 36, 37, 50, 51 row.

Passengers flying in pairs may like twin seats at the rear of the aircraft.

Design features

Features of the structural units of the liner, its design and manufacture:

1. How many engines does a Boeing 777 have to lift such a huge machine into the air? Like the vast majority of modern jet aircraft - two, but the largest and most powerful in the history of aircraft construction. The diameter of one of the engines installed on the liner, GE90-115B, is only 0.3 m less than the width of the Boeing 737 cabin.
2. The huge dimensions of the aircraft should determine how much the Boeing weighs. In fact, its weight is much lower than it might seem, thanks to the use of composite materials. Of these, aerodynamic fairings, the main beams of the cabin floor for passengers, and elevators are made - 9% of all parts.
3. The wings of the aircraft are wider and thicker than those of other liners, their design is optimized for cruising speed. This contributed to an increase in range, flight altitude.
4. The landing gear consists of six wheels with powerful struts, which distinguishes the Boeing 777 from other aircraft. One tire carries a 27-ton load.
5. The liner has three hydraulic systems that back up each other, while one must be used during landing.
6. To provide emergency power under the fuselage, there is a retractable wind turbine.
7. The spacious cockpit for pilots has a simple design, equipped with an electronic fly-by-wire control system, but it was decided to leave the traditional steering wheels. Avionics is fully programmable. Fiber optic cables for avionics were used for the first time on a passenger aircraft.

Specifications

Liners with basic fuselage length:

Extended versions:

History of creation

The first work on the creation of the Boeing 777 began in the 70s of the last century. As planned by the company's engineers, it was necessary to update several manufactured models at once and supplement them with new ones. These were twin engine versions of the 757, 767 and the new 777.

Interesting! Initially, the Boeing 777 was designed as a three-engine, but the developers encountered difficulties with the design of the tail section, and the project was frozen indefinitely.

The development of projects 757 and 767 was successfully completed. And then it turned out that the company's line of aircraft lacks a long-haul aircraft capable of transcontinental transportation of a large number of passengers. The company was also prompted to unfreeze the project by the work of the Airbus aviation concern on the creation of the Airbus A330, which would occupy the free market segment.

At first, the engineers planned not to create a new family, but to develop a new modification of the Boeing 767, which was given the name 767-X. There it was planned to lengthen the fuselage, increase the wings. According to the project, the new liner was designed for 340 passenger seats with a flight range of 13,500 km.

This concept did not find understanding among the airlines. They wanted to have a salon with an easily changing configuration. Another condition was the reduction of operating costs. As a result of a significant change in the design, the new Boeing 777 was introduced.

Interesting! For the first time in history, the development of a new airliner was carried out in close contact with representatives of air carriers and passengers. Never before has the opinion of consumers at the design stage been decisive.

1990 - the beginning of work on the creation of the Boeing 777, and after 5 years the liner went on its first commercial flight.

In 2013, the airline began to develop new models of aircraft of the family - 777-8X, 777-9X.

Place of production

The Boeing 777 is manufactured at its main facility in Seattle, Washington. This plant is located in Everett, near Seattle. There is an assembly plant, and components are supplied from almost all US states. In total, more than 600 suppliers from different countries are involved in the manufacture of the aircraft.

Interesting! There is no indoor facility in the world larger than the Boeing facility in Seattle. The total length of its facade is 4 km.

It takes about four months from the start of assembly to the dispatch of the finished liner.

Operating companies

A total of 40 airlines operate the Boeing 777. The largest number of aircraft belongs to Emirates (United Arab Emirates), Air France (France), Singapore Airlines (Singapore), United Airlines (USA).

The cost of different models

Now the production of models 777-200 and 777-300 has already been discontinued. For other modifications, the current cost is given as a base, but it may vary depending on the configuration.

Development prospects

The airline promises to introduce new modifications of the Boeing 777X by 2020, although some technical data of the liners are known:

1. It is assumed that the last member of the family will be the largest aircraft in the world. At the same time, fuel consumption will be reduced.
2. The contract for the supply of engines was concluded with General Electric. The fan diameter will be 3.35 m. Larger jet engines are not produced in the world. Blades made of composite materials will reduce the overall load on the engine, extending its life.
3. Wings will be made of composite materials. Based on the developments during the creation of the Dreamliner.
4. The design of the wing is being changed in order to improve aerodynamic qualities.

As of autumn 2017, more than 1,500 Boeing 777 units have already been sold, but competition with Airbus forces continuous improvements and changes in aircraft modifications. The liners have gained a high reputation among airlines and passengers, and new developments should provide an advantage over other aircraft of this class.

Watch a video about the Boeing 777 - the best airliner of the 20th century.

Boeing 777 is a long-haul passenger aircraft. Operated from 1995 to this day.

Salon overview and location of the best seats

The passenger cabin of the Boeing 777 is capable of accommodating from 301 to 407 passengers, depending on the configuration and modification of the aircraft. To date, the most common Boeing 777 with a three-class layout of the cabin, so it makes sense to consider this particular type of passenger compartment.

With a three-class layout, the Boeing 777 has first-class, business-class and economy-class cabins.

The first class (some sources call it business class) of the Boeing 777 aircraft is located in front of the passenger cabin and is equipped (as shown in the diagram) with 14 seats located in two rows at numbers 1 and 2. The first class cabin has two aisles, and seats in it are arranged according to the scheme "2-3-2". The seats here are the most convenient and comfortable in the entire aircraft, and the distance between them is enough to stretch out their legs even for tall passengers. The chairs in the first class are usually soft, with pillows, they are able to unfold 180 degrees, which allows you to turn the seats into cozy beds for a good rest. In addition (mainly in new models), the seats are equipped with multimedia entertainment systems that can brighten up the flight time. Boeing 777 first class passengers are offered a gourmet menu with a wide selection of food and drinks.

First class seats are the best not only for their comfort, but also for their location. Toilets are usually located a little further from the passenger seats, so that unnecessary queues and the associated inconvenience have been avoided.

Behind the first class seats is a business class (or Comfort class, as some sources indicate). This class occupies seats in four rows numbered 3, 4, 5 and 6. The business class cabin also has two aisles, and the seats are placed here according to the “3-3-3” scheme (except for the last sixth row). Armchairs in the cabin of this class are comfortable, soft, equipped with folding backs. Places here are also equipped with multimedia entertainment systems that provide a fairly wide selection of films, games and music.

The best seats for Boeing 777 business class are seats in the 3rd row (according to the diagram). Their convenience lies in the fact that there are no other seats in front of them, which increases the legroom for passengers. Also, no one will be able to recline the seat back, thereby limiting this space. However, for these places there are certain features that you should definitely take into account when booking tickets. Monitors and tables for eating here are built into the armrests, which can be both a disadvantage and an advantage for different people.

Following the business class is the economy class cabin. The chairs here are comfortable and soft and, like other classes, can be equipped with multimedia entertainment systems. However, the distance between the seats here is significantly less than in other classes, although it meets international standards. Economy class seats have folding backrests that can only recline to a certain angle. There are also two aisles here, and the seats can be arranged both according to the “3-3-3” and “3-4-3” pattern, except for the last five rows (as indicated in the figure).

The best seats for the economy class of the Boeing 777 aircraft are located in rows 10 and 30 (according to the diagram). Their convenience is explained by the same as for similar business class seats: there are no other seats in front, and therefore there is more than enough legroom. For passengers in row 10 seats, there is another plus: the delivery of food usually starts from the front seats, which provides them with a large selection of dishes and drinks.

The economy class seats located in rows 28, 29 and 42 will not be the best choice. Their “failure” is primarily due to their close, almost close, location with toilets. The sound of constantly opening and closing doors and queues - all this can seriously spoil the impression of the flight. And finally, the most unfortunate are the seats in the back row (43), because they are located between two toilet rooms. The view for passengers is very limited here, which can create serious inconvenience.

Boeing 777 Development History

In the mid-70s of the 20th century, Boeing began developing three aircraft models that were supposed to replace the obsolete Boeing 727 and Boeing 737 liners, as well as aircraft from McDonnell Douglas (DC-10) and Lockheed (L-1011). New models were named Boeing 757, Boeing 767

Initially, the Boeing 777 was planned in two versions: a short-haul aircraft with a passenger capacity of approximately 180 people, with a flight range of about 5,000 km, and an intercontinental airliner with a flight range of up to 9,000 km. However, work on it was first suspended, and then completely frozen due to the difficulties encountered by the designers in the design.

Boeing concentrated on the development of the 757 and 767 models, considering their creation more appropriate at that time. Nevertheless, since the beginning of the 80s, when the serial production of the Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 began and began to gain momentum, the need for an aircraft that could become a replacement for the outdated DC-10 and L-1011 liners became obvious. The creation of a successful model of a long-haul passenger aircraft could guarantee the occupation of a vacant niche and a huge number of orders. The fact that Airbus announced the development of an aircraft of just such a class, the Airbus A330, added fuel to the fire.

As a result, it was decided to start developing a new aircraft, which, according to the original plan, was supposed to be only a modification of the Boeing 767. In the late 80s, the project started under the name 767-X. According to its results, an aircraft with a passenger capacity of up to 330 people and a flight range of up to 13,000 km was obtained.

However, according to the requirements of potential customers, the project had to be curtailed and the development of a new Boeing 777 airliner started. When creating the aircraft, great attention was paid to the opinion of passengers, and all drawings were made exclusively with the help of computer technology.

The development of the Boeing 777 continued from 1990 to 1994. In the summer of 1994, the aircraft made its first flight, in 1995 it was certified, and in the same year its commercial operation began.

Modifications of a double-decker liner

To date, the Boeing 777 has 6 "active" modifications and one modification in development.

• Boeing 777-200 - is the basic model of the airliner, capable of taking on board from 305 to 400 passengers (depending on the layout of the passenger compartment). Flight range - up to 6000 km. The model was intended for domestic flights to the United States, which determined the sector of its customers. A total of 88 Boeing 777-200 aircraft have been delivered to customers since the start of serial production. Commercial operation began in 1995.
• Boeing 777-200ER - a modification of the airliner with an increased flight range (the letters ER stand for Extended Range - increased range). It also has an increased takeoff weight and is intended for international flights. Commercial use of the Boeing 777-200ER began in 1997.
• The Boeing 777-200LR is a model with an even longer flight range (up to 14,000 km), as well as a take-off weight increased by 50 tons (compared to the ER model). The letters LR stand for Longer Range - long range. Operated since 2006.
• Boeing 777-300 is a modification of the Boeing 777, which should replace the Boeing 747-100 and Boeing 747-200 aircraft. It has an increased passenger capacity (from 368 to 451 people). Another feature of this liner is its reduced fuel consumption by about a third. Commercial operation of the aircraft began in 1998.
• Boeing 777-300ER - a version of the Boeing 777-300 with an increased flight range, as well as a large wingspan. Boeing 777-300ER operated since 2004.
• The Boeing 777 Freighter is a cargo version of the aircraft based on the Boeing 777-200ER. Commercial operation has been ongoing since 2009.

Currently, a new generation of the family, the Boeing 777X, is being developed. It is known that this modification will have three options: the Boeing 777-8X, which is supposed to replace the 777-200ER model, the Boeing 777-9X, which will have to replace the 777-300ER modification, and the Boeing 777-8XL, which will be a replacement for models 777-200LR. Production of the first models should begin in 2020.

The device of the aircraft and its characteristics

Structurally, the Boeing 777 is a low-wing aircraft with a normal aerodynamic design. The plumage is single-finned. The liner is characterized by the fact that its hull is 9% composed of composite materials, which seriously affects the strength of the structure.

The power plant of the aircraft consists of two engines from Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce or General Electric (depending on modification).

Flight performance characteristics of the Boeing 777 and its modifications:

One of the largest passenger aircraft over the past 20 years in Russian and world aviation is the Boeing 777. It is also called the Boeng T7, which means Triple Seven, or "Three Sevens".

The largest number of these airliners is operated by Transaero (14 aircraft) and Aeroflot (16 aircraft).

The layout of the Boeing 777 cabin, the best places for flights, technical specifications - all this is in this article.

Short description

This Boeing model is the very first in history, its design was developed in the 90s of the last century without paper drawings, entirely on a computer using special programs.

This is the most reliable airliner in the history of aviation, which makes long flights without a single stop.

"Boeing 777" belongs to the wide-body passenger aircraft. It has been in operation since 1995 to the present day.

The capacity is 305-550 people, the flight range is 9,100-17,500 kilometers.

Specifications "Boeing 777"

It is the largest airliner in the world with only 2 engines. These are powerful gas turbine engines "General Electric". Landing gear consists of 6 wheels, which distinguishes it from other aircraft.

Consider the technical characteristics of the Boeing 777 for modifications 200 and 300.

Interior and cabin layout

"Boeing 777", as noted above, has several varieties. Salons, each of the modifications has 3 or 4 - each has its own layout, which directly depends on the customer.

The interior of the saloons is dominated by curved lines, indirect lighting, wide luggage racks. The size of the porthole relative to the earlier ones is 380x250 mm.

Economy class capacity - up to 555 people. Armchairs are arranged 10 in a row. Compared to the first models of the Boeing 777, since 2011 the interior has been modernized, making it more modern.

In business class, the seats are arranged 6 in a row, and they fold out into a full bed, which is very convenient during long-haul flights. Due to the fact that the total number of seats is less than in economy class, there is more space here.

Imperial class is designed for the most comfortable and expensive flights. Increased attention, additional services, the best cuisine - all this for special guests.

The layout of the Boeing 777-300 cabin of Aeroflot airlines is shown in the photo below.

The best seats on the plane

Depends on the overall staffing of the cabin. When buying tickets, you can choose any seats, but it is preferable to find the most convenient ones so that the flight is pleasant and comfortable.

The best seats are located at the emergency exits: there is extra legroom. Convenient seats in the Boeing 777-300 are those located in rows 11-16 - these are places where 3 chairs are installed in a row (except those next to the toilet). Good places are located near the aisle - there is an opportunity for a short while, but with pleasure to spread your legs.

- if the modification provides for double seats near the porthole, then when flying in pairs it is better to choose them;

In economy classes, the closer to the nose of the aircraft, the wider the distance between the rows of seats;

Those who are in the tail shake most of all, least of all - near the wings;

If the airliner is not fully loaded with passengers, then there are fewer people in the tail and, accordingly, more space.

Of course, these are average figures, since different airlines have their own nuances in the design of the cabins of their aircraft, and it does not matter that in fact this is the same Boeing 777.

"Transaero"

The Russian aviation company Transaero owns 14 Boeing 777 aircraft. Of these, 9 are modifications of the Boeing 777-200.

This company uses configurations with a passenger capacity of 306 and 323 people, 4th and 3rd class cabins, respectively.

On a passenger aircraft, there are usually only 3 classes. But the air travel company supplements the standard set with additional subclasses.

In Transaero they are as follows:

Imperial;

Business class (premium);

Economic;

Tourist.

A photo of the layout of the cabin "Boeing 777" ("Transaero") modification 200 is presented below.

In the imperial class, all seats are as comfortable as possible for flights. There are only 12 seats in the cabin, which can be transformed into a bed if necessary and desired. Near each seat there is a liquid crystal screen and a table for eating or working on a PC. Access to the bathroom directly from the salon.

Business class (premium) contains 14 soft and comfortable seats in the cabin. But in the fifth row there are seats, the backs of which recline limitedly.

Economy class is a spacious cabin with a large number of comfortable seats.

There are several places here that are not as convenient as the rest: near bathrooms, near partitions and emergency exits (10th, 29th rows). The backs of these chairs are limited in reclining.

Tourist class is a type of economy class. There are many convenient places (for example, in the 30th row, A, B, H, K). Less comfortable are places C, D, E, F, G in the 30th row, 42nd and 43rd rows at the end of the cabin.

Aeroflot

Boeing 777 of this airline sends modification 300 for long-distance flights. The passenger capacity of these liners is about 400 people, 3 cabins, 3 classes:

Comfort;

Business class is located at the nose of the aircraft. There are 30 armchair-beds in the salon, which are arranged according to the "two-two-two" scheme. The cabin has its own improved menu, drinks, internet, a retractable table for working at a PC, the ability to charge a mobile phone or computer, and an individual approach to passengers.

The comfort class cabin is designed for 48 seats. This is the 11th-16th rows. Comfortable seats with a width of 49 cm allow you to fly in comfort. Near each chair there is a retractable footrest, which makes it possible to recline. There is individual lighting, a table, a monitor, a socket for charging a mobile phone. In the 11th row there is a fastener for a baby cradle. You can pre-order baby food separately. Not the most convenient places of this class are located near the toilet.

The economy class is the most crowded, the passenger capacity is 324 people. Armchairs are arranged according to the scheme "two-four-two". For each passenger, Aeroflot provided a blanket, pillow, slippers, and a sleep mask. There is a monitor to brighten up the flight while watching a movie or listening to music. It is possible to use the Internet for an additional fee. Seat width - 43 cm. In the 17th, 24th, 39th rows there are attachments for the cradle. You can ask for games and books for children - this is provided by the services of the airline.

Boeing 777 (Boeing triple seven) - a family of wide-body long-haul twin-engine airliners developed by Boeing in the early 1990s. The Boeing 777 is the largest model in the class of twin-engine airliners. Aircraft of this model are often called Triple Seven - Three Sevens. Being the best-selling wide-body airliner, the Boeing 777 is being actively upgraded. By 2020, it is planned to release the new generation 777X airliner, which, after the 747 is discontinued, will become the flagship in the Boeing aircraft line.

Story

In the early 1970s, the first generation of large, wide-body Boeing 747, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and Lockheed L-1011 TriStar airliners were created. At the end of the decade, Boeing launched work on the creation of two next-generation aircraft at once: the narrow-body Boeing 757, which was supposed to replace the aging Boeing 727, and the wide-body twin-engine Boeing 767, which competed with the European Airbus A300. Both of these aircraft were smaller than the McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed liners. To compete with the flagships of its two main counterparts, Boeing planned to create a three-engine model 777. However, limited financial opportunities and the great success of the 757 and 767 models forced the company to devote all resources to their further development. Project 777 was closed in the early 1980s.

However, by the end of the 1980s, the market for wide-body aircraft began to grow rapidly. In addition, old models quickly became obsolete and all manufacturers began active work on creating their replacements. McDonnell Douglas was developing the MD-11, Airbus was developing the successors of its first aircraft - the promising A330 and A340, and Boeing launched work on the 767-X project. The project was not just a modernization of an already existing liner.

The Boeing 767 was the most aerodynamically advanced aircraft in its class, however, this was achieved at the expense of the narrowest fuselage in the class. A further increase in the capacity of this aircraft required not just a lengthening of the fuselage, but an increase in its diameter. In addition, the enlarged and heavier liner needed a new wing. The initial plans for a slight increase in the size of the aircraft did not satisfy the customers - the airlines wanted a much more spacious and comfortable liner. It became obvious that the 767th was not suitable as a base. In 1988, Boeing began research to create an entirely new airliner. In 1989, the firm began working with airlines to determine the right look for the future Boeing 777.

The development process of the new aircraft was different from similar work of the company before. Now, Boeing paid much more attention to the needs of the market, trying to create the most optimal configuration. To determine the appearance, a commission was formed from representatives of eight airlines: American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Such a strong involvement of airlines in the development was new to the industry, which, at times, even caused skepticism and statements about outside interference in the “inner kitchen”. In 1990, the commission began its work and soon presented its requirements: a fuselage width close to the model 747, a capacity of about 325 passengers, easily modified cabins, a glass cockpit, an electric remote control system, as well as a minimum 10% reduction in operating costs per passenger. passenger seat compared to A330 and MD-11.

After agreeing on the list of requirements, in the same 1990, United Airlines became the launch customer of the future airliner, placing an order for 34 aircraft with an option for another 34. The airline planned to quickly replace the fleet of obsolete DC-10s.

The work of the commission of airlines was not limited to the development of the list of requirements. Hundreds of representatives of the G8 airlines participated in the process of development and pre-production, who constantly refined the requirements (the total number of requests reached 1500). The fuselage was further extended to meet Cathay Pacific requirements, the ANA made it longer, and British Airways made many interior configuration requirements.

The Boeing 777 was the first commercial aircraft to be developed entirely on a computer. All work was digitized using the CATIA computer-aided design system created by Dassault Systems. This allowed the designers to practically create a completely virtual airliner without resorting to expensive prototyping processes (which greatly reduced the cost of development, especially given the constant clarifications from airline representatives).

In preparation for the production of the liner, Boeing used the already existing contacts with manufacturers, developed during the creation of the Boeing 767. However, this time the scale of international cooperation has reached a completely new level. The main suppliers were Japanese industrial giants: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries. In addition to them, the British Hawker de Havilland and the Australian ATA (Aerospace Technologies of Australia) began to produce aircraft elements. Engines for the liner began to be developed by industry leaders: Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Rolls-Royce. Their task was impressive - the creation of the most powerful engines in the world, the thrust of which was to reach 35 tf.

The production site of the new aircraft was the plant in Everett, where the 747 and 767 models were already produced. Despite the fact that the Boeing 747 remained the largest aircraft in the world, the new model was not much inferior to it. The company spent about $1.5 billion. to build an assembly line and almost doubled the size of the plant. The assembly of the first aircraft began in 1993. The total cost of the program reached $6 billion, of which $4 billion was financed by Boeing and $2 billion was invested by partners.

On April 9, 1994, the first Boeing 777 prototype passed the roll-out ceremony. It was almost a festival dedicated to the new aircraft, which was attended by almost 100,000 guests. The first flight was made on June 12, 1994. It was the start of an almost year-long certification testing process, the most intense in the company's history. 9 airliners, equipped with engines from three manufacturers, participated in the tests at once. ETOPS certification was carried out immediately - for this, 8 three-hour flights were made with one engine turned off. In 1995, the aircraft was certified by the American FAA and the Japanese JAA.

Commissioning and creation of modifications

The first Boeing 777-200 was handed over to United Airlines in May 1995. This model was basic. The Boeing 777-200 carried 305 passengers in a 3-class layout (maximum 440) and flew 9700 km. The first commercial flight was the London-Washington flight. In the winter of the same year, British Airways received its first aircraft, and a few months later, the liners began flying under the flags of Thai Airways International. By 1998, the 777 fleet had over 900,000 flight hours and an average operational reliability of 99%.

The potential success of the new aircraft was obvious, and Boeing immediately set about creating a modification with an increased takeoff weight. The 777-200ER first flew in October 1996. The aircraft became heavier by almost 50 tons (297.5 versus 247.2 for 777-200) and most of this mass was spent on fuel - having similar capacity indicators (301/440), the aircraft increased its flight range to 13080 km. Being a very efficient long-range aircraft, the aircraft was very popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Interestingly, during the demonstration flight, the liner of this Malaysia Airlines model, nicknamed the Super Ranger, spent 21 hours and 23 minutes in the air and flew 20,044 km.

But distance records were not the only success factor. Following the creation of the 200ER, Boeing moved on to a more spacious model with a stretched fuselage. This is how the Boeing 777-300 appeared. At the time of its creation in 1997, this 73.9 meter long liner became the longest in the class (A340-600 was not yet available). The capacity of the liner reached 368 passengers in a 3-class layout with a maximum of 550. The range was not a record, but still reached 11165 km. The aircraft entered service in 1998.

The range growth did not end with the -200ER modification. Even at the development stage, Boeing explored the possibilities of creating ultra-long-range airliners. It was supposed to create an aircraft with a shortened fuselage and increased fuel capacity (similar to the 747SP model). However, this version could accommodate fewer passengers and became uncompetitive, and the project was frozen.

Only in 1997, the company announced modifications 777-200X and -300X. The aircraft needed new, more powerful engines, the thrust of which was to reach 45 tf. General Electric and Rolls-Royce took over the new engine. General Electric achieved success in this matter with their forced versions of the GE90 engines, the thrust of which exceeded even what the company from Seattle originally wanted, and reached 52 tf - this is the thrust of two engines of the early Boeing 747. The dimensions of the engines also turned out to be record-breaking - the diameter of the fan is 3 .1 meters is almost the width of the Boeing 737 fuselage (3.8 meters).

Officially, the program was launched in 2000 and it was called 777-X. The time for the project turned out to be unsuccessful - after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the contraction of the air travel market, work on the project also slowed down.

The first aircraft of the new generation was the Boeing 777-300ER, which took off in 2003. Air France became the launch operator. The 300ER was built fairly quickly and was, in fact, a -300 with the introduction of the -200ER's solutions. The cabin and capacity of the aircraft have not changed (365/550), and the takeoff weight has increased by almost 52 tons (351.5 versus 299.4 for 777-300). The range at the same time reached a new record of 13650 km. With such indicators, the aircraft became a bestseller and an excellent replacement for obsolete 4-engine aircraft - with a close capacity, it was much cheaper for airlines.

The next new-generation airliner was the Boeing 777-200LR, which passed the roll-out ceremony in 2005. The plane could accommodate the same number of people as the other -200s (301/440), but already flew 15840 km. At the end of 2005, the aircraft broke the record of its older brother, flying from Hong Kong to London for a distance of 21,602 kilometers in 22 hours and 42 minutes.

On this, for a while, Boeing calmed down. The final milestone in the creation of that generation was the appearance in 2008 of the cargo version of the 777F. This aircraft has the design and engines of the latest 777-200LR, with a large cargo area almost the entire length of the fuselage. Its flight range is the most modest - 9200 km, but the aircraft is capable of carrying up to 102 tons of cargo.

Description: Boeing 777 is the best airliner of the 20th century. History and description

Design

The Boeing 777 is a wide-body, twin-engine airliner. Being a classic model in the class, the liner is its largest representative.

The wing of a moderately swept liner is designed for a flight speed of about 900 km / h. To achieve maximum lift and capacity, the wing received an increased thickness and span. Thanks to these solutions, the aircraft has a standard flight altitude of 13 km, and the fuel system can hold up to 145 tons of fuel.

Unlike other airliners of the company, the Boeing 777 never had standard large winglets. Instead, horizontal endings with an increased sweep angle are used. Boeing calculates that for large airliners, such designs, now known as ridge endings, are more effective. The most advanced versions of these endings are currently installed on Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

In the design of the wing and the entire airframe, composite materials were used quite widely for their time, the share of which reached 9% (not counting models 777-8 and 777-9).

The aircraft is equipped with a tricycle landing gear with a swivel front strut. The main landing gear legs of the Boeing 777 are considered the most powerful among commercial airliners. Each rack is equipped with six wheels (each capable of withstanding a mass of up to 27 tons). This makes it possible to effectively support an aircraft on a three-post support, the mass of which is comparable to the mass of the Boeing 747 of early modifications.

The Boeing 777 was the first airliner of the company to be equipped with a full-fledged fly-by-wire system. The cockpit is equipped with the usual Boeing control system, including redundant LCD displays and classic steering wheels. Avionics data communication systems make extensive use of fiber optic networks throughout the aircraft.

The passenger cabin has the largest width in the class, reaching 5.84 meters (albeit inferior to the width of the Boeing 747 cabins of 6.08 m and A380 6.5 m). The standard configuration includes 6 seats in a row in business class (2+2+2) and 10 seats in a row in economy class (3+4+3). One can note the influence of British Airways with its concept of "flexible cabin" - the interiors have a large number of modular elements, which greatly expands the possibilities of customization.

Also, the Boeing 777, being an aircraft for long-distance and long flights, is equipped with special recreation areas for crew members. These rooms are located in the upper part of the fuselage above the passenger compartment.

In 2011, Boeing launched work to modernize the cabin of the liner, using the experience of the Boeing 787 cabin.

Special modifications

KC-777 is a modification of the strategic air tanker. Created as an enlarged addition to the KC-767 tankers, capable of carrying a large load.

The 777 VIP is a version of the Boeing Business Jet family supplied to corporate customers. Aircraft are manufactured on the basis of -200LR and -300ER models. The interiors of these liners are manufactured mainly by third-party contractors.

Government modifications based on the Boeing 777 are used to transport the top leadership of Japan, the UAE and other countries. Previously, it was assumed that the -300ER or 777-9 versions of the liners could become the aircraft of the US President (sides No. 1), but the choice of the US Air Force fell on the four-engine Boeing 747-8.

Production

By 2000, the Boeing 777 had become Boeing's most profitable wide-body product. The appearance of the second generation of liners further increased demand: in 2007, the order book exceeded 350 units - the production line was loaded until 2012, and the amount of contracts almost reached $ 100 billion at the then catalog prices.

Boeing decided to increase the production rate to 8 aircraft per month in 2013. The process of complete assembly of one liner 777-300ER took 49 days. In 2012, Emirates received another -300ER and it was the 1,000th 777 aircraft. The total volume of orders for the second generation aircraft is expected to be fulfilled until 2020, when the production of the third generation aircraft, which is now being developed under the 777X program, will begin.

Boeing 777 X

The Boeing 777X is the new generation of the 777 family aircraft. Installing the latest engines, upgrading systems and applying advanced technologies developed on the 787 model suggests a significant increase in the efficiency of new aircraft.

The history of the new generation began in 2010-11 when Airbus was developing the latest A350. Despite the fact that the A350 is often put as a competitor to the Boeing 787, it is nevertheless larger and occupies a niche of older versions of the 787 and, to a greater extent, of the current generation 777 liners.

To ensure competition for the new European aircraft, a program of deep modernization of the aircraft was initiated, with their introduction to the market in 2019-2020.

As a power plant, various options were offered from industry leaders. Rolls-Royce offered an upgraded version of the Trent 1000 engine. Pratt & Whitney introduced the concept of the older version of the PW1000G. General Electric introduced the GE9X engine. In March 2013, Boeing selected the GE9X as the exclusive engine for its 777X aircraft.

Despite the indignation of a number of operators with the loss of the possibility of an optional choice of engines, such a solution is considered more optimal. Adaptation of aircraft for different power plants significantly increases the cost of development and production, which is often not justified by the possibility of choosing between engines that are almost identical in performance.

The project was initiated in 2012. However, due to the increase in costs associated with the creation of the Boeing 737MAX and Boeing 787-10 liners, the creation of the 777 aircraft was slightly slowed down. However, the aircraft is scheduled to enter the market in 2019.

During the air show in Dubai in 2013, the creation of two aircraft was officially announced: the younger model 8X and the older 9X. The launch customer was Lufthansa, which placed an order for 34 Boeing 777-9X aircraft. These liners, together with the ordered A350-900, will soon have to replace the aging fleet of 747-400 and A340 models. Emirates followed with 150 aircraft, Qatar Airways (50) and Etihad Airways (25). In 2015, the liners received official designations 777-8 and 777-9. "X" remained only in the name of the 777X program.

Production

Especially for the 777X in 2014, Boeing built a new plant for the production of composites in St. Louis. Aircraft composite elements will be produced there. Final assembly is done on production line 777 in Everett.

Design

The Boeing 777X will receive a completely new wing with an increased span. To ensure the possibility of placing the aircraft in the conditions of the existing infrastructure (span up to 65 m), the wing will be equipped with folding ridge tips 3.5 meters long each. It takes about 20 seconds to fold and unfold the ends.

The passenger cabin of the liner will be expanded by about 12 cm (from 5.84 to 5.96 meters). This is planned to be achieved through the use of new finishing materials, which make the interior walls thinner. A significant part of the cabin elements will be inherited from the Boeing 787 cabins, including larger windows, more efficient luggage racks, optimal pressure and humidity.

GE9X engines offer a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. The new, composite wing will improve the overall performance of the liner by 7%. At the same time, 4-5% of this efficiency will be lost due to the fact that the liners will be larger and heavier. According to general calculations, it is assumed that the new liners will be, on average, 12-13% more efficient than their predecessors.

Modifications

The Boeing 777X project involves the creation of two airliners: models 777-8 and 777-9.

Boeing 777-8 is a shortened version of the new generation. With a length of 70 meters, it is average between the old models -200 (63.7 m) and -300 (73.9). In a two-class layout, the aircraft will accommodate 350-375 passengers and fly at a distance of up to 16,110 km. The aircraft is supposed to be a direct competitor to the European Airbus A350-1000 and, according to Boeing's calculations, should be 4% more efficient.

Boeing 777-9 will be extended to 77 meters model (and will be the longest of all Boeings). This will be the basic version of the liner, which will be assembled and presented first in 2019. In a two-class cabin layout, the liner will accommodate 400-425 passengers. The flight range will be somewhat reduced and will reach 14075 km.

The maximum takeoff weight of both aircraft will be similar and will amount to 351 tons.

Boeing 777-10. After the retirement of Boeing 747 liners, the new Boeing 777 will become the flagship of the company's line. At the same time, to ensure competition with the flagship Airbus A380, Boeing allows the creation of an extended version of the 777-10 in the future. It is assumed that the liner will have a length of about 80 meters and accommodate up to 450 passengers in a 2-class layout. However, the 777-10 has yet to be officially announced.

Orders

As of the end of 2017, Boeing has a portfolio of orders for 53 777-8s and 273 777-9s from 8 operators. The catalog cost of the liners will be between $380 million for the -8 model and $410 million for the -9 model.

Exploitation

Since the beginning of the project and in 2017, Boeing has produced 1518 model 777 aircraft. 1387 liners of different versions are in operation. The top three operators include Emirates (161), United Airlines (88), Cathay Pacific (70).

The catalog price of the 777-200LR model is $314 million, the cargo version costs $319 million, and the most expensive variant at the moment -300ER will cost $340 million. .

Accidents and incidents

In 2017, the Boeing 777 was involved in 19 aviation accidents, including 6 serious incidents that resulted in the death of 541 people.

The first such incident was a fire in 2001 while refueling at the Denver airport. Then an airport worker died. The liner received minor damage to the wing and engine, but was repaired and returned to service.

The first accident that resulted in the destruction of an aircraft was a hard landing of a British Airways airliner at Heathrow Airport in 2008. Due to icing of the fuel system elements, the engines failed during landing. As a result, the aircraft landed 270 meters from the runway, which led to the destruction of the landing gear, part of the wing and engines. 47 people were injured, but no one died.

In 2013, there was an incident with an Asiana Airlines jet at the San Francisco airport. During landing, the aircraft touched the embankment in front of the runway, hit the runway and collapsed. Three of the 307 passengers died.

In 2014, a Malaysia Airlines flight with 227 passengers and 12 crew members disappeared while on a Kuala Lumpur-Beijing flight. The plane or its remains have never been found. It is assumed that the liner was hijacked, deviated from the course and crashed somewhere in the Indian Ocean.

Another disaster in 2014 was the death of a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. While flying in the airspace over the east of Ukraine, the plane was shot down. 298 people died.

The sixth major incident involving the 777 was the hard landing of an Emirates airliner at Dubai Airport. In conditions of a strong crosswind, the plane almost landed, but due to the high speed, the crew decided to go around. However, the aircraft failed to gain altitude, hit the runway with its tail section and engine, lost control and crashed onto the runway. The crew and passengers were evacuated, however, while extinguishing the fire, an explosion occurred, which resulted in the death of one firefighter.

Air travel has long become an everyday event for passengers, they arrive at the airport at the appointed time, go through control, wait for boarding, and get on board. Most of us do not even think about how much knowledge and achievements it took for the developers to lift such a machine into the air, ensure the safety of those on board, and make their journey comfortable.

Features of the aircraft of this class

Depending on the airline, flight distance and passenger traffic, you may be on board a small or large aircraft. You should not focus only on size, talking about comfort and trust in the carrier, because even small models compared to their "colleagues" can be durable and hardy. In Russia, Boeing 777 300 is increasingly used to transport passengers. This is a twin-engine aircraft, so it cannot be the largest and most powerful in the world. However, the Boeing 777 300 manufacturers have found their niche for it - it is the largest aircraft in its class. The use of technical capabilities to the maximum attracted airlines, and since 1998 this aircraft entered service for the first time. The positive dynamics of behavior in the airspace and the minimum percentage of breakdowns according to statistics made the Boeing 777 300 one of the most proven.

Aircraft design data

The general layout of the Boeing 777 300 naturally depends on the design features. This model has an elongated fuselage, which allows it to develop high speed,
better to cope with the flow of oncoming air.

In addition, it increased the overall capacity of the aircraft. The maximum takeoff weight is from 263,080 to 299,370 kg, with a weight excluding passengers and cargo of 155,500 - 158,480 kg.

Of course, Boeing 777 300 passengers do not see all this. The layout of the cabin for them is limited to the passenger compartment. The width of the cabin is 5.87 m. This is enough for the comfort of passengers and the convenience of flight attendants who serve food and drinks.

Counting passengers on board

The number of seats on the aircraft may vary. This is due to the fact that the interior decoration depends on the class for which the board is designed. If this is an economy class aircraft, the seats are located at the same distance throughout the aircraft, saving space allows you to make their number maximum - 550 seats. There are separate flights that are popular with economy class passengers, and models of this issue can be selected for them. The combination of basic and business class demonstrates the company's marketing move, because the total number of people will be 479, but some of them will pay almost twice as much for a ticket. There are models with greater variability, for example, a combination of economy, business and first class. There will be 368 seats. It is worth considering that this Boeing model has an improved version - ER. Here there will be fewer seats in the last of the presented methods of filling the cabin, namely 365. This is not the general layout of the "Boeing 777 300". Transaero converted the aircraft to suit its needs, and other domestic and foreign companies did the same. If the manufacturer offered 3 types of passenger service programs, then there are 4 of them: imperial, business, economy, tourist. In this regard, the total number of seats is 373.

Salon design

The interior of the aircraft is made with the inclusion of curved smooth lines. They make the interior look more modern. They also allow you to increase the volume of luggage compartments above the seats and hide the lighting in the folds of the ceiling, making it indirect.

There are toilets and kitchens on board, which are easily moved if the company wants to refit the aircraft. The armchairs of the cabin are arranged in three, forming three columns, in each of the rows of which there are 9 seats. This is convenient, since you can approach the passenger from two sides. For those who like to sit by the window, there are many accommodation options, you just need to have time to register for the desired place. Judging by convenience, it is more logical to choose one of the outermost seats in the middle row, because it will not be blocked by other passengers, and you will not have to lift people to get out on your own. Traditionally, the total number of toilets on board is 7, passengers visit one or the other, focusing on the ticket class and proximity.

Secrets of choosing a good seat on an airplane

For those who are preparing to fly on a Boeing 777 300, the cabin layout, the best seats will be of most interest. Consider one of the modifications of the cabin, which is most often used in the CIS.

The Imperial compartment is located in close proximity to the access hatch and behind the cockpit. This zone is considered the most comfortable in terms of pressure, besides, passengers are served here in the first place. This class is expensive, so only 4 seats are provided for it, one at the windows and two in the center of the cabin. Here for each passenger there is more space, which allows you to lie down, making a long flight. The armchair folds out 180 degrees, besides, it is equipped with a 23-inch monitor.

After some bounding space comes the Business sector. Here, there are 2 places at the windows, and 3 in the center, 2 rows are provided. In total, 14 passengers can be accommodated here. The level of comfort is also high, the chair takes on an almost horizontal position, there is enough space for everyone.

Of course, both of the described classes are the best, but, alas, not cheap places.

Budget accommodation

Economy class is the most popular type of travel. What do you need to know about places? There are 133 of them, each with a small monitor and a limited amount of space. As always, the first and last rows are controversial in terms of comfort. Row number 10 will rest against the wall of the toilet. Fasteners for baby carriages are installed here, and the tables are mounted and not removed.

However, the inconvenience is offset by a large amount of legroom, which will be relevant for tall passengers. Row number 26 is also located near the wall. The seats here do not recline, and if you fly for more than 3 hours, it can become unbearable. The toilet door will constantly slam, and suffering will crowd around you, so avoid these places when checking in for a flight.

Tourist class includes 222 seats. No. 27 and 40 act here as the "first" rows, and 39 and 52 as the "last" rows. These are uncomfortable places. If you have no choice and have to choose a seat in these rows, prefer seats A or K, they are by the window and will save you at least a fraction