Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Can 787 survive a crash landing?

Interesting read from the Seattle times that discusses the 787's survivability during a crash landing.  Because the 787 is comprised largely of composite materials (specifically carbon fiber infused with an epoxy resin), it won't behave like a traditional aluminum aircraft.  There was some initial concern that the 787 structure would shatter into pieces (like a ceramic bowl dropped on the ground) during a crash, whereas an aluminum airframe would bend but remain intact.  Currently the FAA is getting close to certifying the 787 Dreamliner as safe for air travel, so it appears Boeing has figured out how to make the aircraft crashworthy.  But there are some who still remain unconvinced...

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