Aerospace

How The Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s Dimmable Windows Work

A unique feature of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is its dimmable windows, which enhance passenger comfort and overall experience. The Dreamliner’s windows employ an electrochromic technology, as opposed to conventional aircraft windows with physical shades.

Electrochromic windows are made of special materials that can change their tint or opacity when an electric voltage is applied. In the case of the boeing 787 dreamliner, There are two pieces of glass with a thin layer of gel between them. The gel’s opacity is altered chemically when an electrical current is applied to it.

The passengers cannot see the electrodes because they are positioned on the sides of the windows. Additionally, the windows are networked so that flight attendants can have centralized control.

A button or touchscreen control next to each passenger’s seat allows them to change the amount of tint in the windows. Passengers can control the amount of sunlight entering the cabin without using physical window shades with technology that allows a gradual transition from transparent to different shades of dimness.

These dimmable windows have numerous advantages. The crew can create a cosier atmosphere inside the cabin and passengers can enjoy the outside view without glare. In addition to reducing the need for conventional window treatments, the dynamic control over light also contributes to a sleek and contemporary interior design.

Furthermore adding to the dreamliners overall energy efficiency are the dimmable windows. The aircraft can better control its temperature and save fuel by minimizing the amount of direct sunlight and the need for physical shade.

Overall, the Boeing 787 dreamliner dimmable windows demonstrate state-of-the-art technology that improves passengers’ in-flight experiences while providing useful benefits in terms of energy efficiency and aesthetic design.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.