787 passes static wing tests

Matt N. · #1 1st December 2009, 01:18 PM

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/fl...asses-cru.html

Quote:

Boeing successfully completed a critical static test today that re-created the conditions that caused the initial delamination in the 787 stringer caps, multiple sources tell FlightBlogger.

The test -- dubbed "2C" -- saw the composite wings of ZY997, Boeing's static test airframe, flexed to a deflection 18 feet without suffering the delamination first seen in previous testing back in May.

Today's 2C test, which exceeded 100% of the loads a 787 would ever encounter in service, is the third and final static test FAA requirement to clear the 787 for its first flight in December.

While the final data analysis is not yet complete, the successful static test is a significant step forward in validating the modification to the 787's side-of-body, which wrapped up installation on ZY997 on November 16.

The first two requirements included the high-blow test, completed in September 2008, and the 1G checkout, which was completed in March 20.

Sources say Boeing plans to test the 787 wing to ultimate load of 150% in the spring of 2010.

Boeing was unreachable for comment at the time of publication.

Mike W · #2 2nd December 2009, 11:56 AM

From the same source

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...-december.html

Quote:

Boeing's 787 first flight window opens on 14 December, reports Flightglobal affiliate FlightBlogger.

The new date, reports FlightBlogger, accelerates the internal schedule for first flight by about eight days, reflecting the programme's rising confidence.

Previous reports had targeted 22 December for first flight.

The final date of the 787's first flight is ultimately dependent the validation of the side-of-body modification, the readiness of the aircraft and its systems, as well as cooperation of weather in Seattle.

Boeing has declined to specify a date for 787 first flight, but maintains that the aircraft will fly before the close of December.

The American airframer is currently in the process of a 10-day analysis of data collected during recent static tests aimed at validating the 787's side-of-body reinforcement. While this process is on-going, Boeing is preparing ZA001, the first flight test aircraft, for its maiden flight.

ZA001 was returned to the flight line on 30 November to begin preparations for first flight that recently included auxillary power unit and engine runs.

Mike W · #3 4th December 2009, 07:00 AM

The whole train is restarting and preparing to finally leave the platform

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...brication.html

Quote:

Aerostructures supplier Spirit AeroSystems has restarted composite barrel fabrication for Boeing's 787 programme.

Speaking at the Credit Suisse First Boston Aerospace & Defense conference in New York, CEO Jeff Turner said Spirit AeroSystems has restarted fabrication of composite forward fuselage barrels after an extended lull in production.

"We've turned the faucet on and [forward fuselage barrels are] starting to flow through the line," says Turner.

Turner says his company is not yet delivering at a two shipset per month rate. But he adds that "we're getting a little bit of a drumbeat" from Boeing.

Regular fabrication composite barrels is a positive step towards getting the line "full and flowing," Turner says.

Spirit has maintained its production flow in recent months by taking delivery cues from Boeing, which is "pulling" shipsets from suppliers to final assembly as needed.

Continues...