Boeing 777 wingtips retractable??

triple7 · Post by **triple7** » 19 May 2005, 22:56

Hello all, maybe one of you can tell me if this is true or not, in a dutch book called 'Moderne verkeersvliegtuigen' (=modern passenger planes) I read that the 777 can retract its wingtips in order to make its wingspan smaller at crowded airports. I have seen many 777's at many busy airports, but never once saw this plane with the tips up... Is there any truth in what they say?? It's a book published in 1993, before the launch of the 777 I think, so it might be something they were only planning to do...? (it's on page 8, editions de Alk BV)

just curious

bits44 · Post by **bits44** » 19 May 2005, 23:00

It was an option at one time, but due to low demand it was discontinued.

KT

Andries · Post by **Andries** » 19 May 2005, 23:15

bits44 wrote:It was an option at one time, but due to low demand it was discontinued.

KT

Correct, Boeing abbandonned the idea due to lack of interest.

Greetz,

Andries

TCAS_climb · Post by **TCAS_climb** » 20 May 2005, 08:23

It was originally requested by... Was it American or United? One of them I think, to make sure they could fit at the gates obviously.

This request gave total freedom to Boeing engineers to come up with whatever design they want (i.e. no wingspan limitation). It turns out the final result was both very impressive and within the usual wingspan numbers.

regi · Post by **regi** » 20 May 2005, 18:32

If we have to come back on every wishful thinking of boeing, we can start another website.
sonic cruiser, already forgotten?

ArthurQ · Post by **ArthurQ** » 24 May 2005, 15:34

The wings did not really retract but folded up like a F-18. After flying into Newark and LaGuardia I can see the need. I did not think my wings would clear and its a lot smaller than a 777.

Advisor · Post by **Advisor** » 24 May 2005, 15:40

I too wish that some planes, aka commercial airlines use planes that have retractrable wings

Some official information from

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/777fam ... round.html

Wing Design

The 777 wing is the most aerodynamically efficient airfoil ever developed for subsonic commercial aviation. In a further refinement of designs introduced on the Boeing 757 and 767, the 777 wing features a long span with increased thickness. This advanced wing enhances the airplane's ability to achieve higher cruise speeds, climb quickly and cruise at higher altitudes than competing airplanes. It also allows the airplane to carry full passenger payloads out of many high-elevation, high-temperature airfields.

Fuel volume requirements for the 777 are accommodated entirely within the wing and its structural center section. Fuel capacity ranges from 31,000 gallons (117,335 L) for the 777-200 to 53,440 (202,287 L) for the 777-200LR.

Airlines helping to design the 777 encouraged Boeing to commit to the performance capabilities of an optimum wing, which has a span of 199 feet 11 inches (60.9 m).

Raked 6.5-foot wingtips are being added to the 777-200LR and 777-300ER to improve the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the wing. The raked wingtips help reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.