See how that vertical 787 takeoff looked from the cockpit
This article, See how that vertical 787 takeoff looked from the cockpit, originally appeared on CNET.com.
A skyscraper at the end of the runway would be no problem for this monster jet. Video screenshot by Eric Mack/CNET
Boeing's new 787-9 Dreamliner passenger jet is a big-boy plane, and last week we saw that it's capable of some big-time maneuvers. Boeing released a video of the jet making what looks like a near-vertical takeoff from a runway in Washington state in preparation for the Paris Air Show happening this week.
The video has since amassed nearly 10 million views on YouTube, and now Boeing has released some additional footage to take advantage of a new feature Google's video site has been testing called "Choose Your View."
The multiple-view experience, which works best in a desktop or laptop browser, can be found on Boeing's YouTube channel and allows you to experience that crazy takeoff and the brief flight that follows from three different angles -- looking at the 787 from outside, the pilot's view from the cockpit and a view inside the cockpit itself where you can see the pilots doing their thing.
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The earlier footage of the extreme takeoff -- which reportedly requires the plane to be nearly empty and without a full tank of fuel to execute -- cuts away at a few points, which made me wonder if there were some tricks of perspective going on.
While Boeing has yet to release any details of the actual pitch of the insane ascent, this new footage doesn't cut away as the plane is hitting the apex of its initial arc, and the result is actually more impressive than the video that went viral last week.
Boeing told CNET's Crave blog in an email that the multiple-view perspective was created by mounting cameras inside the cockpit and shooting a third view from a chase helicopter. The company says the 787-9 is 20 feet longer than its predecessor 787-8, but is just as fuel- and emission-efficient.
Up close with the first Boeing 787-9 (pictures)
On July 13, the Boeing 787-9 made its Farnborough debut. It's a longer successor to the 787-8 and can carry 280 passengers, not just 242.
The cockpit of the Boeing 787-9, on display at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The massive wheels of the Boeing 787-9, a 280-passenger energy-efficient jet.
On July 13, the Boeing 787-9 made its Farnborough debut. It's a longer successor to the 787-8 and can carry 280 passengers, not just 242.
The 787-9 comes with either GE or Rolls-Royce engines, but both are designed to be more efficient than earlier engines.
A front view of Boeing's 787-9.
The 787-9's head-up display (HUD) overlays electronic information such as the horizon line on the pilot's view of the world.
The first certified model of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has Rolls Royce engines.
Boeing's 787 family has larger windows so more people can see out. They change from transparent to opaque electronically. At left is completely opaque, at center is transparent, and at right is an intermediate setting.
The Boeing 787-9 test aircraft has massive water tanks. Up to 7,000 pounds of water can be shifted around to test different weight distribution situations.
Boeing saved weight on the 787 family with these remote power distribution units (RPDUs). Instead of many running power cables from a central electronics bay, these supply power closer to equipment that needs it, meaning less heavy copper wiring.
New jet designs mean the 787-9 is less noisy. That means it can save weight on cabin soundproofing, too.
The back of the first 787-9 has coiled tubing extended from the back of the plane's tail during test flights. It's used to measure the true air pressure to compare with the different higher and lower pressures near the plane.
This is the first Boeing 787-9 built.
Capt. Randy Neville, Boeing's 787 chief pilot, stands in front of the 787-9 he's been flying in tests and demonstrations.
The 787-9 test flight is filled with cabins of diagnostic electronics.
The 787-9 has a backswept wingtip.
Boeing 787-9 cockpit
The Boeing 787-9 cockpit.
A view along the Boeing 787-9 fuselage and wing.
The Boeing 787-9 engine and characteristic scalloped cowling.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Farnborough International Airshow.
As someone who has suffered my fair share of airsickness, the view of the pilots in the cockpit calmly using ever-so-slight movements to make this massive plane perform what must surely be stomach-quaking maneuvers is perhaps the most impressive perspective of all.
The Choose your View video is not yet embeddable, but you can check it out here.
