Boeing Makes Small Change To 787 To Enhance Performance

Starting Planning On Single-Color Engine Nacelles
Boeing is going over the final design of its upcoming 787 Dreamliner with a fine-touch comb... and the manufacturer has announced a way for airlines to save money in operating the new jet, with the only questionable tradeoff being one of aesthetics. In a change Boeing calls "subtle but important", from this point on all Dreamliners will sport single-color engine nacelles.

"Aircraft drag is reduced because laminar flow has much lower skin friction drag than turbulent flow," said Ron Hinderberger, propulsion leader for the 787 program. "If you interrupt the laminar flow by adding paint layers, which are common with airline liveries, you could increase fuel burn by 30,000 gallons per year per airplane."

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