The Transformation of the Modern Airliner

Since the mid-1950s airliners have flown at roughly the same speeds, been constructed mostly of aluminum, and been fueled by a standardized jet fuel formulation. But now, that's all beginning to change. The Boeing 787 is the first of a new wave of planes designed to confront the new opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. What will these changes mean for the airlines, the aerospace industry, and consumers? We'll explain.

Since its inception in 1958, NASA has been a research organization that is in.....