Boeing – What are They Manufacturing?

Boeing is one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, and the second largest aerospace and defense contractor based on defense-related revenue from 2011. Not only is the company the largest exporter by value in the U.S., its stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Boeing has had recent product developments in the areas of commercial airplanes and defense, as well as advancements in some future concepts, all of which should be noted.In most recent news, Boeing has ramped up production of its 787 Dreamliner in addition to the variations of the 777 that have been produced in the past decade. Rollout of the first 787 occurred in 2007, with the first flight taking place in 2009. Orders for the 787 Dreamliner have surpassed its rival Airbus A350 and have been above Boeing’s projected orders for this model. At the same time, the 777 Freighter was launched in 2005 with orders from Air France, FedEx, and Emirates along with a variant of the 747, the 747-8. The 747-8, known as the Intercontinental, features a lengthened fuselage, new advanced engines and wings, and other 787 technologies. The 737-700ER, 737-900ER along with the 737-900 and 737-800 are also being produced in continuance of the 737 line. Boeing also continues to manufacture variations of its highly successful 777 line, including the 770-200LR.

In terms of defense, Boeing has received contracts from the U.S. Navy for the P-8 Poseidon Multimission Maritime Aircraft, an anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft. It has also received orders for the 737 AEW&C “Wedgetail” aircraft. In addition, the KC-767 aerial refueling tanker was produced and delivered to Italy and Japan in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

Future technology is being examined by Boeing that is focused on two avenues: low-cost airplanes and environmentally-friendly airplanes. “Fozzie” employs open rotors and offers a low cruising speed. “Beaker” has thing, long wings and the ability to partially fold up to facilitate easier taxiing. “Kermit Kruiser” has forward swept wings over which its engines are positioned in order to reduce noise. “Honeydew” combines a flying wing concept and the traditional tube fuselage.