Boeing 787 performance data

[NickSTL]

I am not sure if this should be posted here or in the bug reports section, but I have a question about the in-game performance data of the 787 Dreamliner.

In AWS, somehow, the 787-8 can carry more passengers than the 787-9. 292 vs. 285 (both in the standard configuration).
However, according to Boeing (and I can see how this may not be 100% accurate as they are trying to sell planes), the real numbers for the -8 and -9 are 242 and 290.

Also, in AWS the range of the two are 7180 NM and 7850 NM, respectively.
According to Boeing, these should be closer to each other at 7355 NM and 7635 NM.

Finally, max cargo capacity in AWS is 89.85 m3 and 126.00 m3 whereas Boeing says 125 m3 and 153 m3.

For the 787-10, the passenger and range figures are closer to each other, just in the cargo area AWS says 122.55 m3 while Boeing says 175 m3.

This is the Boeing page that I am referencing: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/787/by-design/#/all-model-performance-summary.

Again, I understand if Boeing's figures may look a little bit better than what can be achieved in reality, but in some areas there is quite a mismatch and especially the higher seating capacity in the smaller plane looks very odd to me. Does anyone know what is going on here?

I am sorry if this has already been brought up before, but I was searching through the forum and couldn't find anything.

[stealy]

It's important to look at the "max capacity" of an AC rather than the standard configuration. To do this, hover the pointer over the question mark icon next to Seating configuration.

This is for the 787-8


This is for the 787-9


As you can see, while the -8 carries more passenger in standard configuration than the -9 (according to AWS), the -8 has a much lower max capacity than the -9. 381 vs. 440 to be exact. This is because the -8 uses Standard business seat by default while the -9 uses Premium business seat (which takes up more space) by default. Why... you may ask? I have no idea, but it's not a big deal as you can change them easily. When you compare them with equal seating (standard to standard), the -9 will carry more passengers.

As for range, it changes according to the number of seats installed. A few more seats = a little bit less range. The -8 can theoretically fly as far as 9900nm with zero seat/passenger with GE engines or 10000nm with RR engines in this game without taking wind into account. Once wind is factored in (which it is now)... the actual range on a particular route will change again. So you are better off using the displayed "range" as a rough estimate than taking it literally.

As for max cargo capacity, I am not sure how Boeing measures them, so I don't know if AWS's figure is off. Nonetheless, the displayed capacity is almost never fully usable on long-haul routes because passengers' bags take up some (or even most) of those belly space when you fly over a certain distance depending on each model, engine choice, MTOW upgrade, winglet upgrade, seating configuration, etc. Again, the displayed "cargo capacity" is nothing more than a rough estimate.

[NickSTL]

These are very good points, thank you!

I did notice that the max capacities are different but didn't notice that the two versions come with two different default business class seats.
Even if this can be customized during the order process, I don't see a good reason why the two versions should differ in their seating. I could see if the 787-3 came equipped with less advanced business class seats if it was designed for high-density short- and medium-haul routes. Though the -8, -9, and -10 models are all long-haul planes often doing 10+ hour trips and thus IMO should be equipped with the same default seat types.
Plus, Boeing does quote those passenger figures on its website and so I would say it does make sense to use them as an orientation for the default layout.

[NovemberCharlie]

As for the cargo, when hovering over the cargo capacity icon, you should be able to see a "total cargo hold volume". This should be closer to the number given by Boeing.
Remaining (useable) volume is then calculated by subtracting the cargo in the specified searing configuration. The weight of these bags and that of the passengers themselves is also deducted from the maximum payload.

So assuming you will use default seats in all classes this should actually shrink some volume on the 789

[stealy]

Even if this can be customized during the order process, I don't see a good reason why the two versions should differ in their seating.

I absolutely agree with you on this. Perhaps Sami (the developer) will change this some time in the future, but I doubt it's on his priority list.