The History of Planes: Modern Era / Digital Age (1980s - Present)

This is Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner JA935A taking off. Following the Boeing 777, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was a milestone in aviation, pioneering widespread carbon-fiber composite construction, which provides 20-25% better fuel efficiency than similar aircraft. It enabled airlines to new, long-range, non stop routes. It had the size of a 767 while the range of a 777. The 3 types are Boeing 787-8 to the 787-10.

The Airbus A380 is the world's largest airliner. Although the production ended in 2021 with 254 aircraft built, many companies use the A380 today. The airline Emirates has over 110 A380s in service. Other airlines include British Airways, Singapore Airways, and Lufthansa. It is so giant that some airports will just reject the plane due to its size.

The B-21 Raider is intended to be the Next-Gen raider that will replace the B-1 and B-2. It is very expensive, costing $692 Million per plane. It can use conventional and thermonuclear bombs and has advanced digital engineering. Its main base is planned to be in South Dakota followed by Missouri and Texas. Its top speed is a quick Mach 0.85 - 0.95.

The Boeing T-7 Red Hawk is an aircraft model, but it is planned to be the U.S. Air Force's next-gen jet trainer, and was made in partnership with Saab. It is designed to prepare pilots for fighters like the F-35 and B-21 with digital cockpit operations. Its top speed is Mach 0.975 (about 750 mph) and is rated for +8Gs. The red tails honors the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII, aimed for the 99th Flying Training Squadron.