While it's fun to sit back a watch the troubles Airbus is having today with the A380 and, the A350 or A370 or whatever the current designation of its competitor to the 787 will be, I think now is a good time to reflect on the fact that Boeing hasn't delivered on it's promises yet. Much of Boeing's current success, and Airbus's woes, are based on an aircraft that hasn't flown yet.  In many ways, the 787 is an even more radical aircraft than the A380.  While it may look conventional, the 787 features more use of composites then any commercial aircraft every flown.  It's worth recalling that the last aircraft that featured a composite fuselage and wings, Beech Aircraft's Starship, failed to meet its performance goals.  Ultimately that airplane was deemed a commercial failure and production stopped after fewer then 60 were sold.  Adding to the risk is that the 787's systems are as radical as its airframe, with a much greater reliance on electrical equipment...(Read Full Post)