Design News Announces Engineer of the Year Award

WALTHAM, Mass., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Cogan, chief project engineer for the Boeing 787, has been named 2007 Engineer of the Year by Design News magazine, a leading news resource for design engineers.

Cogan was selected by Design News' readers for his role in creation of new 787 airplane. He leads a cross-functional team with experts in design, manufacturing, business and global partners focused on the integration of the airplane's design and achievement of the performance targets. He will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held Sept. 26 at the National Manufacturing Week tradeshow in Rosemont, IL. (Booth # 5263).

About the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

In its June 4 issue, Design News reported on how the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will provide new solutions for airlines and passengers alike. The 787-8 Dreamliner will carry 210 - 250 passengers on routes of 7,650 to 8,200 nautical miles (14,200 to 15,200 kilometers), while the 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 - 290 passengers on routes of 8,000 to 8,500 nautical miles (14,800 to 15,750 kilometers). A third 787 family member, the 787-3 Dreamliner, will accommodate 290 - 330 passengers and be optimized for routes of 2,500 to 3,050 nautical miles (4,600 to 5,650 kilometers).

In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-size airplanes, the 787 will provide airlines with unmatched fuel efficiency, resulting in exceptional environmental performance. The airplane will use 20 percent less fuel for comparable missions than today's similarly sized airplane. It will also travel at speeds similar to today's fastest wide bodies, Mach 0.85. Airlines will enjoy more cargo revenue capacity. Passengers will also see improvements with the new airplane, from an interior environment with higher humidity to increased comfort and convenience.

The key to this exceptional performance is a suite of new technologies being developed by Boeing and its international technology development team. Boeing has announced that as much as 50 percent of the primary structure -- including the fuselage and wing -- on the 787 will be made of composite materials. An open architecture will be at the heart of the 787's systems, which will be more simplified than today's airplanes and offer increased functionality. For example, the team is looking at incorporating health-monitoring systems that will allow the airplane to self-monitor and report maintenance requirements to ground-based computer systems.

It is also expected that advances in engine technology will contribute as much as 8 percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane, representing a nearly two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market. Other improvements in efficiency will come in the way the airplane is designed and built. New technologies and processes are in development to help Boeing and its supplier partners achieve unprecedented levels of performance at every phase of the program. For example, by manufacturing a one-piece fuselage section, we are eliminating 1,500 aluminum sheets and 40,000 - 50,000 fasteners.

The 787's first flight is expected in 2007 with certification, delivery and entry into service occurring in 2008.

About Tom Cogan

Cogan began his Boeing career as an aerodynamics engineer 1977, after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his 30 years with the company, he has served as the chief project engineer for the Sonic Cruiser program and for Boeing 757 programs, overseeing the various engineering disciplines that support the 757 family of airplanes. Prior to that, he held positions devoted to the development and production of the Boeing family of airplanes. These included Interiors Integrated Product Team leader for the 757-300, Crown Systems leader for the 737-600/-700/-800 and senior manager in Payloads for airplane configuration definition and interior certification of all Boeing commercial models.

"The creativity and determination of the Boeing people to find a way to solve challenges is endless and always impressive," said Cogan. "It is the people I work with and the amazing products we create together that make it easy to keep coming back into the office every day. No matter what challenges pop up on any given day, I know we have the right team in place to find the answers we need."

As part of his award, Cogan will receive a $5,000 educational grant to be designated to his alma mater, Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.

For more information on the Design News Award program or coverage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, go to: http://www.designnews.com

If you are interested in attending the award ceremony, contact Karen Norris of Design News at 781-734-8176 or knorris@reedbusiness.com

For more information on Boeing and the new 787, go to: http://www.boeing.com

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