Why the Boeing 777X became the first commercial aircraft to have folding wings
- Boeing 777X is the first commercial aircraft to feature folding wings
- Before it leaves the ground, the wingtips extend and lock in place
- It increases efficiency in the air while still being able to use major airports
Published on Jan 26, 2024 at 4:58 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Feb 01, 2024 at 2:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
The brand new Boeing 777X was designed specifically to have folding wings – but not many people know why.
Usually limited only to military aircraft, Boeing 777X is the first commercial aircraft to feature them.
But why did it need them?
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It turns out they allow the Boeing 777X to enjoy the best of both worlds with its folding wingtips.
Before the Boeing 777X leaves the ground, the wingtips extend and lock in place.
Pilots need only to be trained in operating the folding wingtip switch accessible in the cockpit for which Boeing describe as “seamless integration” with the Boeing family.
This takes it wingspan from 212 ft 9 in (64.85 m) to 235 ft 5 in (71.75 m).
This compares to the Airbus A380 Wingspan of 261 ft 8 in (79.75 m) – Code F.
Longer wings on the Boeing 777X in flight increase total lift, increase aerodynamic efficiency and lower fuel cost per passenger – allowing more to be on board.
Boeing suggests the 777X has an approximately 10 percent lower fuel burn than its predecessors.
When extended, the thin, folding wings minimize interference drag and lift-induced drag during flight.
This increases the aerodynamic efficiency of the aircraft.
Long and slender wings have a higher aspect ratio than a short, broader wing, allowing an unfolded Boeing 777X wing mimic glider wings, which are highly efficient for flight.
Giving those long wings folding wingtips simultaneously allows for a reduced wingspan on the ground.
The tips are designed to fold during taxi and parking for increased maneuverability and operability.
Much like this flying car with fold-away wings that will allow drivers to avoid traffic by soaring over it.
And it’s not the only flying car on the horizon with this one which is street legal and goes from road to sky in just three minutes.
Making the Boeing 777X suitable for Code-E-standard major airports – 170.6 (52 m) – 213.25 (65 m).
This leads to a welcome 10% lower fuel burn in comparison with previous models.
What’s more the operational configuration of the Boeing 777X is still compatible with the older 777.
While it hasn’t entered commercial service as yet, it is soon to become the first commercial plane of its size with folding wingtips.
“The new Boeing 777X will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, unmatched in every aspect of performance,” Boeing said in a statement.
“With new breakthroughs in aerodynamics and engines, the 777X will deliver 10 percent lower fuel use and emissions and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition.”
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All Supercar Blondie contributors undergo editorial review and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and authority in automotive journalism. After gaining her BA Hons in French and English at the University of Nottingham, Amelia embarked on a vocational diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This led to numerous opportunities, from interning at Vogue to being on the small team that launched Women’s Health magazine in the UK, which was named the PPA Consumer magazine of the year for three years running. As Health, Beauty and Fitness editor, Amelia personally received a Johnson & Johnson Award and was shortlisted for both PPA and BSME titles. Since then, Amelia has created content for numerous titles and brands, including the Telegraph, 111 Skin, Waitrose, Red magazine, Stylist, and Elle, as well as being Head of Content at Vitality and Editor in Chief at INLondon magazine. “My superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a relatable story you’ll want to share with your friends after you’ve read it.” After joining the SB Media family as a senior journalist in September of 2023, Amelia’s role has evolved to see her heading up the SEO output of the editorial team. From researching the most ‘Google-able’ key terms to producing evergreen content - it’s been a time of hard work, growth, and success for the editorial team and the Supercar Blondie website. “I like to think of myself as a ‘method journalist’. In other words: I live and breathe whatever I am writing about. When writing about fitness, I trained as a personal trainer, and as a beauty editor, I completed an ‘expert’ in scent diploma with the Fragrance Foundation. “During my tenure at Supercar Blondie, however, I did something I never thought possible: I passed my driving test at the age of 36. One day I’d love to train as a mechanic to better understand what happens under the hood, too. “My sweet spot is providing readers with a ‘takeaway’ (read: something new they didn’t know before) after reading every one of my stories. While I don’t claim to be an expert in the automotive world, I know the experts and bodies in the field to rely on to provide our readers with an informative and thought-provoking story every time they visit the site.”
