Boeing

A 777-300ER takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. During testing on May 20, a 777-300ER set a record with a maximum takeoff weight of 774,600 pounds (351,300 kilograms). Boeing tests its jets all over the world -- to Iceland for the crosswinds and tailwinds, to South America for the natural ice, and to the Australian outback for hot weather. These locations often are more efficient for the different types of testing that are required. The team performs its critical tests at Edwards Air Force Base, primarily because it's not too busy with commercial traffic and has long runways.