787 has taxi tests
 

On the same page link to the new 747-800 cockpit layout there is another link to the 787 taxi tests on 19/08/09.
In ANA livery, I take it they are the launch customer.
Two comments, nice to see the engine choice RR 1000, and a question?
Does the rear nacelle have zig zag cut out or is it a paint job and an optical illusion. If the answer is yes it does, why?

Yes it does have the zig zag cut out as does the 747-8. It's a noise reduction design feature...so I'm told

so called "chevron nozzles"

Anyone know what the cone hanging from the top of the tailfin is? Seen it before on a 777 during tests. Its visible on the vid at around 1:20

Trailing static -this is standard on most prototype airliners to give a high accuracy static source.

(If you browse the flight test forum, this comes up as a question about twice per year and you can find quite a lot of description, pictures, etc.)

G

I heard someone ask that question while in the pattern at Moses Lake which is where Boeing does a lot of test flying. The guy asked the same question of a Boeing test flight and the guy in the 737 came back without so much as a pause and said "it's the price tag sonny"! :)

Thanks, Genghis.

"the bird"
 

It is an additional static source designed to provide backup or possible un-interuppted data to compare with the static ports on the aircraft that are known to be inaccurate if improperly placed or if the airflow over them is abnormally disturbed. They are for proving runs only.

This allows modern aircraft to be RVSM capable out of the box. I remember having to help set this rig up on DC-9's within the last decade when US airspace was to be mandated RVSM as part of a measure to qualify them.

Currently a designated diamiter around the static port needs to be inspected for dents or abnormality's to maintain RVSM status.