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Why Are the Windows on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner So Much Bigger Than Normal Airplanes?

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The windows in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are awesome. You can electronically dim them for five different levels of sunlight and visibility. That’s so much better than the typical airplane window shade option of blinding or blocked out. But the coolest thing about Dreamliner windows are how huge they are, like vertical panoramas of the sky. How come the 787 can support bigger airplane windows but other planes can’t? It’s because the Dreamliner is mostly made of carbon reinforced plastic. (sploid.gizmodo.com) More...

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bigbright737sw
the magic of aerodynamics plays a part in build such great aircraft of the future. Subsequently the first Boeing 747b-200 had large windows assigned to it's features in early 1970's
andromeda07
andromeda07 5
It's nice that they're big, but what use is that when the crew controls the electronic dimming. No more looking out at the amazing natural world when they want you unconscious or watching a movie.
James86004
James Howard 5
I was just on a flight down to Chile and I was so looking forward to seeing the Andes in the pre-dawn light, but no, they had the windows blacked out.
jbqwik
jbqwik 1
My guess is the cost and complexity of individual controls was an issue. And, also, if you allow localized control then then who gets the controller?
davidrbarnes
David Barnes 1
Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding was that each window has an individual control, with a master control operated by the cabin crew.
raleedy
ALLAN LEEDY 1
The person next to the window, of course.
James86004
James Howard 1
The person next to the window was pressing the up and down buttons, and nothing changed. In the morning after the sun came up the crew relinquished control and he could adjust the tint.
andromeda07
andromeda07 2
Yup, the passengers can control the windows until the crew decide to put them on lock down remotely.
wopri
What good are bigger windows if you are squeezed into a tiny seat? Unfortunately very few airlines use the original 8 across seating and 9 across is a torture on long haul flights. I know, I known, not Boeing's fault.
James86004
James Howard 2
That is why I like 767s with their 2-3-2 seating.

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