8/8/2019 NASA Langley=Aircraft Design Innovations B777

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hen the Boeing 777 first took wing, it carriedwith it basic and applied research, technology,and aerodynamic knowledge honed at several

NASA field centers.Th e precedent-setting 777 was built to handle

medium- to long-range passenger flights and is thelargest twin-engine jet to be manufactured today. Firstpassenger-carrying flights began in May 1995. Accord-ing to Boeing Company estimates, the 777 fleet hascaptured three-quarters of new orders for airplanes in itsclass since the program was launched.

In May 1996, the first Boeing 777 stopped byLangley Research Center as a salute to NASA's involve-ment in its creation. Several Langley innovations wereinstrumental in the development of the aircraft, such as:

fundamental mathematical procedures forcomputer-generated airflow imageswhich allowed advanced computer-based aerodynamic analysis;wind tunnel tests, confirmingthe structural integrity of 777 wing-airframe integration in Langley'sTransonic Aerodynamics Tunnel.Use of the facility was reimbursed toNASA by Boeing;knowledge of how to reduce engine- -

and other noise for passengers andterminal area residents;

radial tires that are used on the aircraftunderwent strength and durabilitytesting at Langley's Aircraft LandingDynamics Facility; and

Several other areas benef itted from NASA andBoeing collaboration. Langley had contracted w ithBoeing, for example, to design and validate a digital

flight control system for fly-by-wire and fly-by-light/power-by-wire applications. In developing the digitalfly-by-wire system, researchers utilized the Apolloguidance, navigation and control hardware as theprimary digital system. Fly-by-wire systems for controlof wing and tail surfaces replace bulkier and heavierpulley and cable systems on the 777.

Th e Boeing 777's modern glass cockpit is a systemthat uses computer technology to integrate informationand display it on monitors in easy-to-use format.Research was undertaken on the challenge of maintain-ing a pilot's situational awareness during flight opera-tions. The evolution of the highly automated glass

increased use of lightweight aerospacecomposite structures for increased fuelefficiency and range. The 777's floorbeams, flaps and tail make use of lightweightcomposites.

At Marshall Space Flight Center, results from testsaimed at improving the performance of NASA's SpaceShuttle engines led to improvements in the Boeing 777'snew, more efficient jet engines. Working with Pratt &

Whitney, the U.S. aircraft an d rocket engine provider,NASA engineers conducted evaluations of wake patternsflowing through the plane's turbine engine airfoils. Datataken proved useful in obtaining better turbine effi-ciency, as well as realizing substantial fuel savings.

Boeing 777 inlet, hinge and strut blankets werequilted with either stainless steel or ceramic thread.These blankets protected areas of the plane from hightemperatures and fire. Fostered by Ames ResearchCenter, the Boeing 777 blankets have a lineage toAdvanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI)used on certain areas of the Space Shuttle.

Builsng the Boeing 777 brought about the use of NASA

innovations,fiom lightweight composite materrerr& o the m o kg h s cockpit and aircrafi controlsystems.

cockpit, particularly in commercial aircraft, has roots atLangley Research Center.

Taken as a whole, NASA contributions in funda-mental research and technologies proved meaningful to777 development. Together, industry and governmentskills and abilities melded, jointly contributing to theairplane's operating efficiency, passenger service,environmental compatibility and safety.