Boeing 777 Guide and Specs

The Boeing 777’s outstanding range, fuel efficiency, and perfect comfort are all features that long-haul airlines require today.

The biggest airplane supplied by a US manufacturer, Boeing 777 is also the largest passenger aircraft in production by any company as of 2022, following the discontinuation of the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380.

The Boeing 777 was intended to be an additional aircraft in the Boeing family when it was initially introduced in 1989, sitting between the Boeing 767 and the Boeing 747.

Because it was created in collaboration with the intended audience, it is unlike anything else on the market.

Customers’ input led to the development of the Boeing 777, a gentle jumbo. When the first 777-200 entered service in 1995, it had a maximum seating capacity of 440 people and a maximum range of 10,900 kilometers. The Boeing 777 has undergone three generations of development.

Boeing has improved the fuel efficiency of its aircraft by expanding their range and size throughout time. With a flight distance of 11,664 nautical miles, a Boeing 777-200LR holds the world record for the longest non-stop flight without refueling (21,601.7 km).

The Boeing 777-300ER is the best-selling wide-body aircraft in the Boeing fleet today.

The third-generation Boeing 777X aircraft has yet to take to the sky, and deliveries are scheduled to be delayed until 2025. The aircraft’s main competition is the Airbus A350.

As an aeronautical engineer, I think the Boeing 777 is a well-designed airplane with a carefully chosen market target. Boeing is also doing a good job inventing with the second and third generations, particularly with wing technology.

Without constant progress, Boeing will be unable to compete with Airbus. The Boeing 777 never fails to wow me with its appearance and innovations, which is why I put together this Boeing 777 guide and specs.

See also: Airbus vs Boeing Fleet Comparison: Who is More Successful?

Boeing 777 Brief History 

Boeing 777 Brief History 

United Airlines placed its first order for the 777 in 1990, and the plane first flew into service in 1995. Boeing’s goal was to create a replacement for the DC-10 and L-1011 trijets.

Changes to the ETOPS standards in the 1980s permitted twin-engine planes to travel longer distances. Following the new restrictions, twin jets were authorized to fly up to three hours from emergency diversionary airports. With these ETOPS changes, two-engine planes could travel across the Atlantic.

Airliners began to search for twin jet wide bodies with more efficient engines due to these new regulations. It created a good market gap for Boeing 777.

Airfoil technology, flight deck design, and fly-by-wire were all included in the 777, which is bigger than any other twinjet or trijet aircraft.

See also: How to Train for Your Private Pilot’s License

Boeing 777 Design 

Boeing 777 is a low-wing, long-range, wide-body twin jet aircraft of the Boeing 777 family. The Boeing 777, also known as the triple seven, combines onboard systems, advanced materials, aerodynamics, and the world’s most powerful jet engines to make a highly dependable double aisle.

As the first commercial airplane to use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) systems, the 777 demonstrated this revolutionary method with fly-by-wire.

Although the yoke remained in the cockpit, the Boeing 777 was the first Boeing commercial aircraft to incorporate fly-by-wire controls. However, Airbus introduced fly-by-wire much before. 

The 777’s avionics and cockpit displays are completely software-configurable. The airplane information management system is an example of avionic advancements.

Pilots can gain system awareness from a single point of view thanks to centralized information management (CIM). While in the air, three flight computers constantly check and compare each other’s output to ensure that the plane is operating as expected.

Since it is so lengthy, the 777 incorporates an electrical tailstrike prevention system for takeoffs and landings.

Aircraft wing designs draw much of the viewer’s attention. When designing a big and long-range aircraft, aerodynamic efficiency is a must. The 777’s wings use an advanced supercritical airfoil design with an extremely high aspect ratio.

Boeing designed this long wing with raked wingtips to fit into the same parking spaces as other planes. As a lighter alternative to a vertical winglet, it also enhances efficiency.

At higher altitudes and speeds, the airflow across the wing might become more rapid. Inefficient airflow occurs when air travels faster than the speed of sound, and Boeing’s 777 features a supercritical airfoil design to keep this from happening.

Boeing uses lightweight aluminum and titanium alloys, as well as composite materials, to construct their aircraft. Since weight significantly influences efficiency, range, and capacity, Boeing has worked tirelessly to reduce the weight of their aircraft.

Boeing 777 Performance and Powerplant

Boeing 777-200ER Performance and Powerplant

The Boeing 777-200, 777-200ER, and Boeing 777-300 all came with three distinct engine configurations when they were first launched with two different lengths. Three of these were General Electric GE90, Pratt & Whitney PW4000, and Rolls-Royce Trent 800.

The PW4000 family of high-bypass, dual-spool, axial-flow turbofan engines was designed for wide-body aircraft. PW4000 112-inch engines on Boeing 777 variants are ultra-high-thrust models capable of covering the 74,000 to 90,000 pound-thrust range.

One of the engine choices for Boeing 777 Classic variants is the Rolls-Royce Trent 800, a high-bypass turbofan. With a baseline common engine, the Trent 800 began service in 1996 and is currently available in a range of thrust ratings from 75,000 to 95,000 lb.

It’s a different story with the GE90. The GE90 engine, which debuted in 1990, was GE Aviation’s first engine in the 100,000-pound thrust class and remained the largest turbofan engine for many years.

While powering the twin-engine Boeing 777 planes, the legendary GE90 jet engine set records for thrust and dependability while reducing pollution and fuel consumption.

The GE90 engine had a record thrust of 127,900 pounds, but the GE9X, created for the next Boeing 777X generation, now has a record thrust of 134,300 pounds.

As well as using composite fan technology for the first time in a commercial engine, the GE90 engine also utilized other cutting-edge technologies, such as additive manufacturing.

However, the largest and most commercially successful jet engine ever created, the GE9X, uses advanced technology to achieve greater efficiency, quietness, and cleaner operation.

The GE9X is the most fuel-efficient engine in its class, offering unparalleled dependability and performance for the Boeing 777X family.

Every feature of GE9X is cutting-edge. Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are used to reduce weight, and additive manufacturing is used to produce more than 300 pieces. With a 10:1 bypass ratio, it is highly efficient.

Table 1: Performance Data of Current Boeing 777 Models Source: Boeing and (https://skybrary.aero/)*

Performance Second Generation Third Generation (777X)
Models: 777-200LR 777-300ER 777-8 777-9
Capacity (2-class seating) 317 396 384 426
Engine GE90-115BL GE90-115BL GE9X GE9X
Range 8,555 nmi (15,843 km) 7,370 nmi (13,649 km) 8,730 nmi (16,710 km) 7,285 nmi (13,500 km)
MTOW 347450 kg* 351530 kg*
Cruise Speed M0.84 M0.84 615 mph (M0.8) 615 mph (M0.8)

The second-generation Boeing 777-200LR has the highest range, while the Boeing 777-300ER has the largest capacity. The Boeing 777X has not yet been delivered and is not in service.

With its strong engines and exceptional design, the Boeing 777 can travel exceptionally long distances in the market for aircraft with 300–400 seats.

Boeing 777 Interior

boeing 777 interior

Boeing is aware of the importance of cabin comfort in such long-haul aircraft. Operators have unparalleled configuration versatility with the 777 interiors and Airlines’ designated cabin spaces to include flexibility zones, typically near the entrances of the aircraft.

A typical 777 configuration change is anticipated to take as little as 72 hours, but an equivalent modification on another aircraft may take two to three weeks.

The 777 has a cutting-edge cabin management system for better, more effective in-flight service.

Boeing also makes an effort to apply improvements from the newer, smaller 787 Dreamliner to the larger 777. The spacious cabin of Triple Seven boasts dynamic LED lighting that changes color throughout the journey.

Other benefits of the 777 include increased in-cabin storage and overhead capacity.

Boeing 777 Variants

First Generation

Boeing 777-200 First Generation

It was expected that the 767 would be replaced with first-generation Boeing 777s, also known as Classics. Due to their efficiency and shifting public perceptions of their safety, large twin-engine aircraft were gaining appeal.

The first aircraft was the 777-200, which could travel 5,240 nautical miles with 305 passengers in three classes (9700 kilometers). The 777-200, which made its first flight in 1997, was later upgraded to become the 777-200ER (7,065 nm range).

After the development of the 777-200ER, the 777-300 stretched. It was the longest aircraft in use until the A340-600 entered service with a length of 73.9 meters. It had a capacity increase of 20% over the initial standard model.

Second Generation

Boeing 777-300ER Second Generation

Beginning in the new millennium, Boeing developed enhanced 777 models to provide ultra-long-range variations. With 832 total deliveries as of July 2022, the 777-300ER, the most popular 777 Family Member, is the first aircraft introduced in the second generation.

The 777-200ER received the second upgrade in the form of the even longer-range 777-200LR, which has a range of 8,555 nm. 61 777-200LR units have thus far been delivered.

In contrast to the previous generation’s three engine choices, the second generation only offered the GE90 option.

Third Generation (777X)

Third Generation (777X)

In 2013, Boeing announced the 777X program in response to growing competition from Airbus and the A350 and to take advantage of emerging technologies. The 777-8 and 777-9 models, which were larger and had greater ranges, were being produced by the company.

The main rival A350-900 went into service in 2015 with a brand-new design, which encouraged Boeing to transport the 777 further to retain its best-selling wide-body title.

Boeing modified the 777 using some technology it used with the 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft’s taxiway and gate compatibility was maintained while Boeing boosted aerodynamic efficiency with a greater wingspan, laminar flow nacelles, and renowned folding wingtips.

The company made the wings from composite material, increasing efficiency even further. A modified version of the 777-300ER, the 777-9, has a new composite wing with a wider wingspan.

On the other side, the 777-8 is a shortened-body variant of the 777-9 that keeps the same wing.

For the 777X, GE created a brand-new engine called the GE9X to reduce fuel costs, noise, and pollution levels. Aircraft received the most recent deck technology developed from the 787 with new engines.

Long-haul trips are made more pleasant with a 4-inch bigger cabin, substantially larger windows (162 inches square), and a renovated cabin.

Boeing 777-9 carries 426 passengers in the same configuration and a 7,285 nm range, compared to the 777-8’s 384 passengers and up to 8,730 nm of range.

If we compare the 777-9 with the 777-300ER:

  1. The 777-9 is 2.9 m longer overall compared to the 777-300ER.
  2. The unfolded wingspan is 7 m wider, while the folded wingspan is the same.
  3. A 3.0 m wider horizontal stabilizer is used.
  4. It has a 1.1 m longer wheelbase.

Table 2: Comparison of all 777 Models Source: Boeing 

Specs First Generation (777 Classics) Second Generation Third Generation (777X)
777-200 777-200ER 777-300 777-200LR 777-300ER 777-8 777-9
Seats (2-class) 399 400 491 317 396 384 426
Max. Range nm (km) 5,120 nmi (9,480 km) 7,510 nmi (13,900 km) 5,845 nmi(10,820 km) 8,555 nmi (15,843 km) 7,370 nmi (13649 km) 8,730 nmi (16710 km) 7,825 nmi (13500 km)
Length 63.7 m / 209 ft 1 in 63.7 m / 209 ft 1 in 73.9 m / 242 ft 4 in 63.7 m / 209 ft 1 in 73.9 m / 242 ft 4 in 69.79 m / 229 ft 0 in 76.72 m / 251 ft 9 in
Wingspan 60.9 m  / 199 ft 11 in 60.9 m  / 199 ft 11 in 60.9 m  / 199 ft 11 in 64.8 m  / 212 ft 7 in 64.8 m / 212 ft 7 in 72.8 m / 235 ft 5 in 72.8 m / 235 ft 5 in
Height 18.5 m  / 60 ft 9 in 18.5 m  / 60 ft 9 in 18.5 m  / 60 ft 8 in 18.6 m  / 61 ft 1 in 18.5 m / 60 ft 8 in 19.49 m / 63 ft 11 in 19.53 m / 64 ft 1 in
Engines 1)PW4077

 

2)Trent 877

3)GE90-77B

1)PW4090

 

2)Trent 895

3)GE90-94B

1)PW4098

 

2)Trent 892

3)GE90-94B

GE90-115BL GE9X
Cruise Speed M0.84 M0.84 M0.84 615 mph (M0.8) 615 mph (M0.8)
MTOW 545,000 lbs / 248,115 kg 656,000 lbs / 297,550 kg 660,000 lbs / 300,278 kg 750,000 lbs / 340,194 kg 750,000 lbs / 340,194 kg 775,000 lbs / 351,534 kg 775,000 lbs / 351,534 kg

Boeing 777X vs Airbus A350

Airbus A350

Since the Boeing 777 is a slightly larger aircraft, their market positions do not entirely overlap, but Airbus A350 is the rival from the European side.

When the MTOWs of both companies’ products are compared, the A350 falls between the 787 and the 777X. At the same time, the 787 Dreamliner competes with the A330 Neo.

Even while the Boeing 777X is a significantly enhanced aircraft, it cannot compete with a new design that began flying in 2015. Airbus developed the Airbus A350 from scratch, and I think Airbus is in the lead because of its highly innovative strategy.

Although the 777X is larger and will ultimately be able to transport more people, the A350-900 ULR is now operating with a 9,700 nm range.

I am aware that we already discussed the 777’s record for the longest non-stop flight (eastbound journey), but it wasn’t a regular commercial flight. Conversely, the A350 regularly flies this route to Singapore Airlines.

The Boeing 777X is projected to enter service in 2025, whereas the Airbus A350 has been flying since 2015. A350-neo variations will undoubtedly be introduced up to that point.

Table 3: Boeing 777-9 vs. Airbus A350-1000

Performance Boeing 777-9 Airbus A350-1000
Seating 426 350-410
Engine Thrust GE9X

 

Thrust: 134,300 lb

Trent XWB-97

 

Thrust: 97,000 lb

MTOW 351,534 kg 319,900 kg
Range 13500 km 16100 km
Cruise Speed M0.89

FAQs

Question: What is the Difference Between 777-300 and 777-300ER?

Answer: The extended-range variant of the Boeing 777-300 is known as the 777-300ER. The 777-300ER has a range of 7,370 nm, compared to the 777-300’s 5,845 nm.

Question: How Long Can a 777 Fly without Refueling?

Answer: The 777-200LR has an 8,555 nm range and is the longest-range 777 currently in service as of 2022.

Question: Is the 777X Bigger than the A350?

Answer: Yes, the Boeing 777-9 is 3 meters longer and has a wingspan that is 7 meters broader than the Airbus A350-1000. There seems to be more space for people because it is wider.

Recommended Reads:

References:

  • FAA. “Boeing 777 FAA Type Certificate.” FAA, https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/764353a09b837fcf8625877b006642b5/$FILE/T00001SE_Rev45.pdf. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • EASA. EASA Boeing 777 Type Certificate. https://www.easa.europa.eu/downloads/7521/en. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • Boeing. 777X Airport Compatibility Brochure. 0 May 2015, https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/764353a09b837fcf8625877b006642b5/$FILE/T00001SE_Rev45.pdf.
  • Boeing. 777-9 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning. 0 Oct. 2020, https://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/commercial/airports/acaps/777X_RevB.pdf.
  • “B77W.” SKYbrary Aviation Safety, skybrary.aero, 8 Mar. 2021, https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/b77w.
  • “B77L.” SKYbrary Aviation Safety, skybrary.aero, 8 Mar. 2021, https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/b77l.
  • “Boeing: 777.” Boeing: 777, www.boeing.com, 23 Feb. 2017, https://www.boeing.com/commercial/777/.
  • “Boeing: 777X.” Boeing: 777X, www.boeing.com, https://www.boeing.com/commercial/777x/. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • “Boeing: Historical Snapshot: 777 Commercial Transport.” Boeing: Historical Snapshot: 777 Commercial Transport, www.boeing.com, https://www.boeing.com/history/products/777.page. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • “Boeing 777X, World’s Largest Twin-Engine Jet, Takes to Skies.” Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com, https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-777x-twin-engine-plane-flew-for-the-first-time-2020-1. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • Pratt & Whitney. “PW4000-112 ENGINE.” Pratt & Whitney, https://prattwhitney.com/products-and-services/products/commercial-engines/pw4000-112. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • “Trent 800.” Trent 800 | Rolls-Royce, www.rolls-royce.com, 18 Sept. 2019, https://www.rolls-royce.com/products-and-services/civil-aerospace/widebody/trent-800.aspx#/.
  • “GE90 Engine Family | GE Aviation.” GE90 Engine Family | GE Aviation, www.geaviation.com, https://www.geaviation.com/propulsion/commercial/ge90. Accessed 7 July 2022.
  • “GE9X High Bypass Turbofan | GE Aviation.” GE9X High Bypass Turbofan | GE Aviation, www.geaviation.com, https://www.geaviation.com/propulsion/commercial/ge9x. Accessed 7 July 2022.
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