The 2018 ecoDemonstrator flies over eastern Washington on its first Boeing check flight.
The Boeing 777-200 Freighter is based on the 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane. It is designed to provide more capacity than any other twin-engine freighter and offers the lowest trip cost of any large freighter. The Boeing 777 Freighter allows FedEx Express to do more for its customers and the environment. 1:400 Phoenix FedEx Express BOEING 777-200F Airfreighter Diecast Airplane Model. $135.00 previous price $135.00. Picture Information. Opens image gallery. Image not available. Mouse over to Zoom-Click to enlarge. Move over photo to zoom. Have one to sell? 1 The average fleet age is based on our own calculations and may differ from other figures. Only supported aircraft types that are active with this airline are included in the calculations. A time-lapse and behind the scenes look inside the Boeing factory at construction of the new 777F for FedEx. The plane will be used as part of the ecoDemonst.
John ParkerFedex Boeing 777
To most, it looked like a normal delivery to FedEx Express recently when Boeing Commercial Airplanes handed over the keys to a 777 Freighter. Yet, the special decals attached to the fuselage indicated it will be the next ecoDemonstrator, the fifth iteration of the flight test program.
It will be the first time a 777 is used for the ecoDemonstrator flying testbed, having used a 737, 787, 757 and Embraer airplane in previous years. To date, the ecoDemonstrator program has tested more than 80 technologies using four airplanes as flying test beds.
In 2018, Boeing and FedEx plan to work together to test more than 35 technologies aboard the FedEx-owned 777 Freighter, including flight deck enhancements, compact thrust reverser and advanced materials.
Before testing innovations that could enhance flight safety and efficiency, the airplane will first go into revenue service in the FedEx fleet through the end of the year, flying international routes. The freighter will be returned to Boeing in January, when it will serve as the ecoDemonstrator testbed through May.
“Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program plays an important role in the company’s innovation and environmental strategy,” said Mike Sinnett, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Product Strategy and Future Airplane Development. “By using flight testing to accelerate new technologies, we can move development along, off the critical path.”
Fedex Boeing 777-200
Some of the technology, with the goal of reducing emissions and noise, also can improve airlines’ gate-to-gate efficiency and other operational goals. Proven ecoDemonstrator technologies and processes might be incorporated into existing production models, made available for in-service fleets or applied to new airplane development programs.
After testing is completed, the airplane will be returned to FedEx in original condition so the carrier can return the airplane to service in its fleet.
By Bret Jensen