Lissys Ltd opens up its Boeing 787 analytic performance tool.

(All statements represent the independent opinions of Lissys. They do not imply any connection with, or approval by, Boeing, Airbus, or other organisations.)

In a pioneering contribution towards better-informed assessments, Lissys Ltd is releasing in the public domain its advanced performance model of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The release is included with the free Piano-X download.

The Boeing 787-8 analytic model is not a frozen design evaluation. It is an adjustable professional tool and creates an open standard you can reference as the aircraft evolves, long term. For the first time, everyone, - engineer, airline operator, emissions expert or layperson, - can extract and share consistent numbers for a new aircraft and access key measures that are rarely stated openly.

You can alter design weights, thrust, drag, and engine fuel consumption (SFC) or environmental emissions levels. You can also set operational Mach numbers, flight levels, reserves and contingency rules. The model will retain its applicability as new information (such as an anticipated increase in max takeoff weight) becomes available.

The first flight of the Boeing 787-8 is expected in 2009, and no evaluation can be definitive prior to actual flight-testing and operational assessment. A baseline aircraft is currently specified as Lissys' best estimate of credible medium-to-long term performance goals. It seems clear that early production line examples of the B787 will fall significantly short of this reference baseline.

The Piano-X B787-8 baseline release has an MTOW of 219.5 t (484k lb), a typical airline OEW of 114.5 t (252.5k lb), nominal aerodynamics and SFC targets, and when carrying 242 pax at 95 kg each (210 lb) achieves a range of 7653 nm with standard reserves. As an example, a substantial increase in empty weight of +4.5 t recently hypothesised in the press, combined with shortfalls of +3% on SFC and +1% on drag, a pax count of 248, and an updated mass per pax of 102 kg (225 lb) would cumulatively reduce the range to 6547 nm. It is easy to evaluate all performance, fuel burn and emissions consequences of this (or any other, less dramatic scenario) simply by inputting the corresponding numbers in Piano-X. A couple of adjusted files are included to indicate possibilities.

The model is extremely easy to use; it is nonetheless a tool, not a substitute for experience. Piano-X is an unparalleled, innovative and transparent strategic concept in the world of aircraft analysis. Lissys is pleased to offer this new release to everyone freely.

Lissys Limited
December 2008

Terms:
The Boeing 787-8 Piano-X model is provided 'as is' with no implied warranties and remains the intellectual property and copyright of Lissys Ltd. Information derived from it must not be used for any purposes of commercial gain or reward, but can be distributed freely as long as Piano is clearly credited as the source.