It may be late, but the 787 Dreamliner is set to revolutionise long-haul flying, half of the jet is made of lightweight carbon fibre composite material, meaning it uses 20% less fuel than planes of a similar size.

http://www.dailymail.co....ner-touches-UK-time.html

I must admit I love the Dreamliner with that colour scheme, its a good looking aircraft as well as a big leap forward in aircraft manufacturing materials, what a beauty.

Other aircraft manufacturers are sure to follow suit and include more composite and carbon fibre in their aircraft. Although it is well known that composite materials are very strong, I wouldn't be surprised though if you found composite / titanium sandwich combinations around critical high stress areas.

Another feature that is interesting about this aircraft is the curvature of the wings designed to give the aircraft more lift. This is a feature that you see more commonly on gliders. The new fuel efficient engines will save a certain percentage of the aircraft's fuel and the lightweight materials and gliding effect of the wings will do the rest.

Boeing have come up with a winner this time, I can see this plane becoming a iconic as the 747, though only if it ends with a service record to match.

Regards