AircrAft progrAmmes i Boeing 787 Dreamliner
locations within the joint attaching the
wing to the fuselage. On November 30th,
static tests to validate the modification
were completed including subjecting the
static test airframe, the wing and trailing
edges to their limit loads, i.e. the highest
loads expected to be seen in service.
Modifications to the sixth and final test
vehicle are now being completed.
Looking forward to the 2010 schedule,
six 787 test aircraft will come into
operation as Boeing’s tightest ever
flight test schedule for a major aircraft
progresses. Flight testing has so far gone
smoothly with the third aircraft, the first
to have interior elements installed, taking
to the skies last month.
On the progress being made, Fancher
Flight testing: Aircraft ZA001 taking off from Everett
adds: “As of February 10th, the first two
aircraft have completed 35 flights and
amassed more than 112 hours of flying While things are going very well, much well on its way to production ramp
time. Pilots have taken the airplane to work remains. We’re focused on getting up, this year will also see the ongoing
an altitude of 30,000 feet and a speed the remaining flight test airplanes in the construction of a new final assembly
of Mach 0.65 and we’ve completed the air no later than midyear. We appreciate line in North Charleston, where Boeing
initial stall tests and other dynamic the aggressiveness of our schedule, as currently manufactures the 787 aft
manoeuvres, along with extensive check- well as the inherent risks of a flight test fuselage and integrates mid-body fuselage
out of the aircraft’s systems. programme, but we believe we have sections. Commissioned in order to meet
“Six different pilots have been the people, plan and resources to be its large order book, Fancher explains:
behind the controls of the 787 so far successful.” “This new facility will be modelled on
and the handling characteristics are Despite the time from first flight our Everett facilities. We broke ground
as we expected. We achieved Initial to first delivery being less than a year, on the North Charleston facility on
Airworthiness on January 15th and look Fancher is confident that Boeing will November 20th 2009 and our goal is
forward to receiving Type Inspection keep to its current target set in August to have the site up and running by July
Authorisation from the Federal Aviation last year, which gives time to implement 2011, with the first aircraft delivered by
Administration (FAA), which then the side body modifications and other the first quarter of 2012. Our baseline
permits us to begin certification testing. potential issues that might come up. plan is to ramp up to three airplanes per
During this period, month at North Charleston and seven
34 pilots will spend per month in Everett. As with any new
3,100 hours in the air, facility, there are challenges, everything
with the ground test from logistics to training, but Boeing
programme expected will temporarily establish transitional
to take 3,700 hours. surge capability in Everett to ensure the
As the programme successful introduction of the 787-9, the
develops, the aircraft first derivative model of the 787.
will be taken to its “That said we are not rushing to achieve
operational limit of rate. Our stated schedule is 10 per month
over 40,000 feet by late 2013. There’s an orderly, strategic
and Mach 0.85, with plan in place to meet that goal. Boeing
subsequent testing and its partners are working to that
expanding the plan and are in regular contact to ensure
Test aircraft two, three, four and five: Going through final assembly at
envelope further. production system health.” y
Boeing’s Everett facility
And with the 787 www.boeing.com
AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING | MARCh 2010 25
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