From a materials' point of view, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one of the most revolutionary leaps in the history of aeronautical manufacturing. In designing the 787 airframe with 50% of its weight as composites or carbon fiber plastic, Boeing necessitated the use of more titanium. This wonder metal, being 40% less weight than steel but stronger than heat treated aluminum components, is the only metalic material that when in contact with composites are completely nobel and therefore will not corrode. Since over 15% of the 787 sirframe is comprised of titanium, the author will discuss the four main areas where the titanium is concentrated and their corresponding heat treatments. They are:

Landing Gear and Stuctural Fittings- Ti 5553

Floor Structure- Ti 6Al 4V

Extrusions- Ti 6Al 4V

Nacelles- Ti 6Al 4V

For this discussion additionally, we will review the imperative vacuum and pyrometric technology whenever processing this reactive metal. We will also discuss the current urgent need and push for updating and revising titanium heat treating specifications for the next decade and beyond.