Note: This article is a part of AIKA Birdspot Series, whose aim is to help you identify any commercial aircraft in under 5 seconds. To access the series, click here.
This is going to be a short article because identifying a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is very easy, at least till similar looking planes are not launched.
Please use the following features to distinguish a Boeing 787 from other planes:
Cockpit Windows (Windshields)
Unlike other Boeing (and even Airbus) aircraft, the Dreamliner has a 4 piece windshield, or 4 cockpit windows. The shape of the side windshields too is different from other Boeing (and Airbus) aircraft, as these are laterally tapering. No other plane has a similarly shaped cockpit windows. Recall how Boeing aircraft have V-shaped windows, and Airbus aircraft have notched side windshields (highly recommend to read this article).
Credits: BriYYZ
Engine Casing
The engine casing on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is Chevron-shaped. Only Boeing 737 Max has a similar casing. Though it is fairly easy to distinguish the two planes as Boeing 737 Max is very much similar to its parent family, the 737 family (highly recommend to read this article for more on the 737 family).
Credits: Chihaya Sta
Wings
Now this is the most interesting part. The Dreamliner’s wings have two distinct features.
- Flex: For additional aerodynamic stability, and because of the nature of the material used, the wings of the Dreamliner flex (i.e. bend upwards) when in flight.
Credits: Tomás Del Coro
- Raked wingtip: Though not a unique feature, the sharp triangular wingtip, known as raked wingtip, can be observed to identify a Dreamliner.
Credits: Christopher Neugebauer
We hope this article was useful. Don’t forget to share it with fellow aviation enthusiasts!
Cover Credits: ohnnyw3
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