Aluminium has been the standard material used in aircraft for more than a century – even the Wright brothers 'famous first flight in 1903 used an aircraft made partially from the metal. But the 'aluminium age ' could be about to end – with the delivery of the first large-scale commercial aircraft made using 50 per cent 'composite materials ' including plastics and carbon fibre. The much-delayed Boeing Dreamliner 787 has a range of 10,000 miles, is far quieter than ordinary jets, and is constructed using a 'moulding ' process that has eliminated 1,500 aluminum sheets and 50,000 fasteners. It 's also three years late – and has cost a reported $ 32billion. Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme, said: 'It took a lot of hard work to get to this day. ' The aircraft has been much delayed – its maiden flight was delayed for more than two years – and will cost up to $ 200 million. The delays are reported to have cost maker Boeing more than $ 32 billion. It offers hi-tech entertainment with Android touchscreens built into every seat – even in Economy. The 'composite ' design – using mixed materials such as titanium and carbon fibre – is believed to have been a spur for rival Airbus to incorporate carbon fibre in future aircraft. (Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk …
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