This is video that shows a Sukhoi PAK FA, aka T-50, which is also known as the 5th Generation Russian Stealth Plane. The most interesting thing about this plane, is that it’s super cruise capable. Super cruise means that it can cruise at supersonic speed.

The other interesting thing about this plane, is that it will be available for export, at $100 million a piece. Even at that price, the Indian Air Force is interested in buying up to 250 copies of the plane.

I Love Planes - A blog about planes and other flying machines

Cool video from Boeing showing off the unveiled Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental. The plane was painted in a new livery which symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Personally, I like this plane. I’m a big fan of the 747 model, but I wonder, how much would it suck for Boeing if the 747-8i entered service before the Boeing 787?

Check out some Boeing provided pictures of the Boeing 747-8i on the Boeing site.

I Love Planes - A blog about planes and other flying machines

Boeing 787

EVERETT, Wash., Dec. 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) will resume flight test activities on the 787 Dreamliner later today. The company has installed an interim version of updated power distribution system software and conducted a rigorous set of reviews to confirm the flight readiness of ZA004, the first of the six flight test airplanes that will return to flight.

“Initially, we will resume a series of Boeing tests that remain to be completed in the flight test program. That testing will be followed later by a resumption of certification testing,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. Today’s testing will include an intentional deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which is a small turbine that is deployed when back-up power is required.

Boeing and Hamilton Sundstrand completed testing of the interim software updates earlier this week. Verification of the system included laboratory testing of standalone components, integration testing with other systems, flight simulator testing and ground-based testing on a flight test airplane.

In the last several weeks, the company continued ground testing as part of the certification program. Additional ground testing will be done by the company on the production version of the airplane to further verify performance of the changes being made.

“As we return to flight test and determine the pace of that activity, we remain focused on developing a new program schedule,” Fancher added. “We expect to complete our assessment of the program schedule in January.”

Flight testing of the 787 was suspended last month following an in-flight electrical incident on a test flight in Laredo, Texas.

I Love Planes - A blog about planes and other flying machines

Photo by fox2mike on Flickr

From Staff Reports

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Saudi Arabian Airlines announced an order for 12 Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range), with an option for 10 more. This order previously was attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website. The order is valued at $3.3 billion at average list prices.
Saudi Arabian Airlines also announced an order for eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners for its long haul fleet. The airline completed an arrangement with Boeing and Kuwait-based leasing company ALAFCO to transfer orders for the eight Dreamliners from ALAFCO to Saudi Arabian Airlines.

The 777-300ER is the world’s largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, and is capable of carrying up to 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). Saudi Arabian currently owns and operates 23 Boeing 777-200ERs.

“Our decision to order the 777-300ER is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand and modernize our fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes, and is based on the airplane’s proven efficiencies,” said H.E. Eng. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. “We see direct benefit because of the 777-300ER’s improved fuel efficiency, seat-mile costs and the economics of operating a twin-engine airplane over long distances.”

Saudi Arabian Airlines took delivery of its first 777, a 777-200ER in December 1997 and since then has deployed the 777 on a number of short-, medium- and long-haul routes.

“Saudi Arabian Airlines is one of Boeing’s very first customers in the Middle East, with a relationship that goes back several decades,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “In fact, in 1961 Boeing was privileged to have witnessed Saudi Arabia’s entry into the jet age with a Boeing 707 when it became the first in the Middle East to operate a jet airplane. Today’s order is yet another milestone in our relationship and is also a powerful endorsement of 777, which is one of our most successful airplanes to date.”

The 777-300ER first entered service in May 2004 and since then through October 2010, 251 777-300ERs have been delivered. The airplane extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market.

“Saudi Arabian Airlines is a key customer and a strategic partner in the region for Boeing and we aim to continue solidifying this relationship with the airline,” said Ahmed Jazzar, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia and vice president, Boeing International. “We are also committed to continued partnership with the Saudi government, enterprises and customers in their long-term plans to develop aerospace infrastructure and capabilities in the Kingdom.”

I Love Planes - A blog about planes and other flying machines

Boeing calls this the “Sky Interior.” I think it looks good. FlyDubai is, I believe, the first customer of the new Sky Interior for the Boeing 737 NG.

I Love Planes - A blog about planes and other flying machines