Originally Posted by cxorcist
Of course the heavier models will have a different wing join and internal strengthening. My 10 year old could figure that out, but it's still the same wing.
The have commonality, however they are not the same wing, no matter how you want to dress it up.
In 2006 they had the 787-8 wing at 58m, and the 787-9 at 60m, in 2008 they increased them to 60 m and 63 m, and then in 2012 reduced the span to 60m for the 787-9/10. The 787-9/10 share the same span, however the -10 has a fair bit less range. It also has 77W style semi levered gear which is different to the other models.
Originally Posted by cxorcist
But since you brought it up, do you think the "A350XWB family" has any chance of selling 1500+ as the 777 has?
Sure, it will be around for 20+ years. Orders, options, and purchase rights are already over 1000.
Originally Posted by cxorcist
One of the early complaints about the -1000 was it being underpowered.
Again more ignorance on your part, it had a 1% higher T/W ratio than the current higher payload/range model. At launch it had a T/W ratio 7% greater than the 747-8, 14% greater than the 787-8, 13% greater than the 787-9, 6% greater than the 787-10, and 7% greater than the 77X.
The A350, 787, and 77X all have lower T/W ratios compared to the 77W. This is due to the aerodynamics of the airframes producing less drag, and lower thrust required to meet certification requirements.
You are correct to point out that this has been "rectified," but it's not the same engine as the Trent XWB on the -900.
I am trying to understand what the problem is here, the 787-8 alone has over 10 types of engines certified (no doubt will increase) from two differnt manufacturers. The -97 engine should appear on the -900 fuselage in the ULH model, just like the 77L.
The -84 and -97 engines physically are the same size, who knows future -900s maybe offered with derated -97 engines for better hot and high performance.
Originally Posted by cxorcist
Has Airbus even firmed the -1000's final configuration?
Yes, first MLG and pylons already cast, first engine being built. Other -1000 specific tooling in the process of being made. First -1000 should enter the FAL end of 2015/early 2016, first flight in 2016.
Originally Posted by crewsunite
Smart! Now we just need them to up the Pilot Package!
I heard their latest Singapore roadshow had no one turn up.