B-777-X concept (Kaktusdigital)The planned Boeing 777-X series airliner can be made more competitive to the all new Airbus A350-1000 by relocating the cockpit to an overhead position, similar to the old B-47 Stratojet. This will result in at least 12 additional higher revenue First Class seats, in an excellent undisturbed position as in the B747-8.
B-47 Stratojet (from Wikipedia)
Of course it will not be as open and narrow as in the old B-47 Stratojet. Such a new configuration will have a higher vantage point as in the B-747. Blind spots can easily be alleviated by closed circuit TV cameras. that can be integrated on the HUD, the cockpit panel screens, or its own dedicated LCD screens.
B-777-X wingspan comparison (Flightglobal)
This configuration may take advantage of the Boeing 747 hump aerodynamic effect that may lower drag and thus fuel burn.
Another configuration is to retain the upper fuselage lines and embed the cockpit where the front pilot and crew rest area is now located. This will take advantage of the B-777 large fuselage diameter and leverage the B-747-8 Skyloft technology to provide more revenue space.
The long wingspan of the planned B-777-X series will put it in the airport fees class with the A-380 and B-747-8. A folding wingtip is being studied specially on mechanical complexity and aerodynamic drag of components. It can be implemented electrically to reduce mechanical complexity and may have other aerodynamic functions.
B-777-X folding wing concept (Seattle Times)
The big disadvantage in relocating the cockpit is the engineering resources that will be needed to implement this. Incremental material costs will be minimal. Design tradition in cockpit location is also a mental barrier.
B-777-X concept (Raydon Designs)
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