Grupo

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner represents a paradigm shift in aerospace engineering, moving from aluminum-centric construction to a predominantly composite airframe.

1. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Fuselage

The 787's fuselage is constructed using a "One-Piece Barrel" approach. Carbon fiber tape is wound onto a rotating mandrel and cured in an autoclave. This eliminates thousands of fasteners and seams, reducing weight by $20$% and allowing for higher cabin pressure and humidity levels (since composites do not corrode like aluminum).

2. More-Electric Architecture (MEA)

Traditional aircraft use "bleed air" from the engines to power pneumatic systems (brakes, de-icing, etc.). The 787 utilizes an electric architecture. It features six generators that produce nearly $1.5$ Megawatts of power, driving electric compressors for the cabin and electric actuators for the brakes, which significantly improves engine fuel efficiency.

3. Aerodynamic Wing Flex

The 787 wings are highly flexible and feature a high aspect ratio with raked wingtips. This design reduces induced drag. The composite construction allows the wing to flex upward during flight, acting as a natural shock absorber and improving the ride quality in turbulence.