Originally Posted by
Australopithecus
That just reflects the broad differences between the two cultures. I have been in a few manufacturing facilities on both continents, and its always as you describe. Don’t ever subject yourself to an industrial factory tour in China.
The old Boeing had the technical expertise and imagination to make game changers. Back in the day the 747 was engineered by the “B” team while most of the talent was trying to get the SST off the drawing board. They were able, in about 15 years, to come up with the B-47, B-52, 707, KC135, 727, 737, 747. And do the SST engineering. And whatever other military/space projects I am forgetting.
That Boeing was more than capable of defining state of the art.
"That Boeing" was indeed setting the bar. Curious to have Joe Sutters group considered to be the "B" team, the work on the B747-100/-200 series was groundbreaking in almost all areas. First versions were somewhat hampered by having -3 engines, they made TOD entertaining, and the first wing wasn't quite so pretty, but thereafter, the plane was a delight. Could have done with a bit more tin around the S41 stringers and frames... the first set of those to go ping in flight were quite a surprise. Systems-wise, the B747 was a logical system, and the flight controls made it a beautiful plane to fly anywhere. Boeing got the body gear right, needed a bit of work on the fuse pins, and hydraulic fuses a little earlier would have been a nice touch. The engineers panel was logical, and really just improved on the B-17-29-52 707 727 setup, some of the switches appeared to have come from Rosie the Riveters time zone. Placing the packs where they were looked good, until it didn't, but then, we have issues with other aircraft from later periods that seem to reinvent the wheel with CWT ignition...
Times change, perhaps the B787 will be considered as a great plane someday, but it has some big shoes to fill. The B777 may be more cost-effective, but it isn't a 747.