Could terrorists hack your 787?

by Grant Martin on

Ever get one of those turbulent landings where you think that with a little flight simulator experience you could land the plane better?

Well with the new 787’s computer system architecture, maybe you can! According to a recent UK Times article, the FAA is concerned with the potential connectivity between passengers’ entertainment systems and that of the airplane control. Their thought is that both software engines on the same computer system create a security vulnerability through which “hackers” and “terrorists” can access the flight system from their seats. Apparently, current Audio and Video on Demand (AVOD) and flight systems do not operate in this way.

Perhaps it’s just me, but knowing a little about computers I can’t fathom how or when Boeing could allow a design flaw this serious. In addition to the ridiculous hardware and software securities that must exist between the two entities, does not a hacker need some way to access the system? Most AVOD systems run with a remote control or touchpad. Some new airlines, have USB, wireless or firewire ports on their systems, but aren’t these run on a closed seat loop?

Has anyone ever plugged a keyboard into an AVOD system and tried to reboot?

Perhaps some of the nerds out there can enlighten us. Anyone out there on Engadget ever hacked an AVOD system? I’m really interested to see how far off base on this I am, but to me this article stinks of an over protective bureaucracy nedlessley waving its arms over a problem that doesn’t really exist. In the end, our peace of mind is the only victim.

Dreamliner production plods on

by Grant Martin on

Despite the recent setbacks and delays logged by Boeing on production of their new 787 Dreamliner, the fastest selling commercial airplane of all time, corporate sources are still holding to their (revised) Q4 ’08 delivery date. Production of the first three prototypes is well underway, the first (closest) for their “first flight” demonstration and the second two for static and fatigue testing.

You may recall the unveiling of the 787 earlier this year, which was a huge PR and photo event (get your CEO’s picture taken in front of the Dreamliner today!). Why can’t they fly that bird, you ask? Well, Boeing cut a few corners stitching that prototype together in time for the event. Now they’re going back, closing the gaps and getting the entire beast put together correctly for actual operation.

Their PR people tell me that the first flight is supposed to take place some time at the end of the first quarter next year. Hopefully the suppliers stay on schedule so that this actually happens.

Boeing Delays Delivery of 787 by Six Months

by Grant Martin on

Alas, the long awaited 787 Dreamliner has been delayed, citing “challenges” in assembling the first products. Earlier this year, Justin reported the rollout of the first complete prototype, but even that was rushed to look nice for the media. For example, small gaps remained in the fuselage that the company glossed over for the purpose of the initial media blitz.

For those of you unaware, Boeing’s 787 is slated as the next generation of aircraft: lighter, faster, eco-friendly and more efficient than its 20th century counterparts. To date, its been the fastest selling widebody ever before its entry into service and expectations are high.

As we’ve learned from the Airbus A380 and its repeated delays, however, numerous suppliers, production issues and bureaucratic tomfoolery come into play when producing a new airplane. EADS has already been through numerous management changes due to scheduling tiffs while shareholders are screaming bloody murder.

What we don’t want to happen here is for Boeing to repeat these mistakes. More missteps and carriers will start dropping orders, more delays could occur and Boeing would take a hit on sales. And as one of the primary exporters in this country, our economy and the American people are counting on the 787 and Boeing’s success. Cross your fingers.

Japanese Airlines First to Install Bidets in the Air

by Justin Glow on

Japan’s All Nippon Airways have announced they will be installing bidets in the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to be delivered in May of 2008. This is a first for any commercial airline. (Vladimir Putin had a bidet in his private jet, however.)

With over 60 percent of Japanese households sporting a bidet, this makes sense. But I can’t help but wonder just how much larger the lavatory will have to be to accommodate this. Will the bidet be built into the toilet, or will it be separate? Or will it be a hand-held spray bidet that are common across Asia? The bidet-toilet combo makes the most sense due to the constricted space, but the Dreamliner is a big plane, so who knows?

Someone is going to have to teach me how to use one of those things.

Watch the Premiere of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Live Today

by Justin Glow on

Today, Sunday, July 8, at 3:30 PM PDT (-7 GMT), Boeing will officially unveil the new 787 Dreamliner live on the Internet and via 35 international satellite TV networks. Why today? It is 07/08/07, of course. So grab some peanuts, get cozy, and watch the Dreamliner make its first official public appearance as its rolled out of the hanger at the Boeing plant in Seattle.

You may remember our post a few weeks ago about the not-so-official appearance of the 787, when a sharpshooter over at Airliners.net snapped a few spy shots of the unpainted plane as it left the hangar. Something tells me the 787 will be painted and ready to be photographed today.