Why the Boeing 787 has four cockpit windows instead of six – Jalopnik

Since the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was unveiled in 2007, it has represented a number of firsts in the aviation industry. It was the aircraft used by Virgin Atlantic for its first flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Unlike previous models, it was also the first with only four cockpit windows.

This change was made possible because the Dreamliner uses carbon fiber reinforced composite polymers in half of its construction, rather than relying primarily on aluminum as in previous models. This material is more elastic and therefore the wings of the Boeing 787 can bend much further than you would think. While other commercial aircraft have incorporated this material in the past, the 787 contained more of it than ever before.

Although there are only four cockpit windows, Boeing’s design made them all larger, giving pilots ample visibility during operations. These cockpit windows have several layers, including a gold film that demistes the glass and is similar to the system used in fighter jet canopies. Boeing had another reason for switching to four windows on the 787: these windows are heavy, and having fewer of them can save weight.

The lack of additional cockpit windows on the Dreamliner is directly related to Boeing’s desire to produce a more efficient passenger aircraft by reducing weight. This is also the reason that the Boeing 787 does not have winglets. Jet fuel can make up as much as 30% of an airline’s operating budget. By designing an aircraft that is lighter, airlines may be able to use less fuel and reduce the cost of flights. Boeing has been largely successful on this front, as the company claims the 787 offers 20% more fuel efficiency than comparable models.

Some versions of the 787 can also fly further than its 777 predecessors, although these can carry more passengers. According to Boeingthe Dreamliner has opened 425 additional non-stop routes worldwide that were previously unavailable. Instead of having larger planes going to capital cities or other central locations, the 787 allowed the company to travel to smaller airports with more direct flights and fewer passengers.

Pilots who have flown the 787 have noted that the aircraft climbs well thanks to the weight-saving measures. Others have noted that the 787’s cockpit is exceptionally ergonomic, with fewer windows not being an issue at all. As retired British Airways captain Michael Napier said via Key.Aero”The Dreamliner cockpit is a very comfortable working environment: it is quiet and the large screens make it feel uncluttered and very spacious.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner also includes in its design a tucked-away compartment with basic sleeping accommodations for pilots on longer flights. One Dreamliner variant, the 787-9, is used by Qantas to fly from Perth, Australia to London, England, a journey that takes 17 hours. Fortunately, the aircraft is equipped with a crew rest area, which provides a dedicated space for recovery. Sometimes it even comes with first-class bedding.