Originally Posted by
MasterOfPuppets
the 787-8 is exactly the same size as the 767-300ER. It just flies to dang far. For that reason it carries to much extra weight. Put in a smaller center tank and up the max ZFW. This should add more cargo room.
The mission we need is sub 12hrs. 150,000ish pounds of fuel should suffice.
Boeing has "shrunk" airplanes in the past, after initially "growing" them. Examples: 707-120, -320, and then the shorter-range B-720. 747-100, 200, then the 747SP (long range, but fewer pax, at 47 ft shorter!), and a short-range, high density version for JAL's intra-Japan market (747SR? I forget).
Anyway, I agree wholly: it would seem a "787-7," with less fuel and more load, would be the 767 equivalent.
Asking here because I've not loaded bags: isn't it faster to load baggage in containers than one at a time? Wouldn't it also be faster to take a bag off (pax misconnect) if they knew what pod it was in?
For that reason, plus freight (if any), I figured the 797 would have pods.
I still figure the 797 will be paired with the 787 for type-ratings. And that will have a synergistic effect.