787 passes static wing tests

[Matt N.]

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

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.