Boeing’s Dreamliner passes critical tests
Boeing said today it has now concluded structural tests to validate the load bearing strengths of its B 787 Dreamliner’s wings and fuselage.
Ultimate load wing and fuselage bending tests on March 28 saw the aircraft’s composite wings flexed to a height of 7.6m (25ft). Boeing has now analysed the test data, finding that the “airframe performed as designed and retained the required structural integrity,” says Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 programme.
“Successfully completing this test is a critical step in the certification of the 787. This is further validation that the 787 performs as expected, even in the most extreme circumstances,” said Fancher:
“The airframe performed as designed and retained the required structural integrity. These results continue to validate the design of the 787 as we move toward certification.”
During the test on its static test airframe – dubbed ZY997 – the fuselage was also pressurised to 150% of its maximum normal operating condition while applying loads of 150% to the wings, 1.5 times its normal operating condition.
The testing has also validated modifications made to the 787′s side-of-body join that added six months to development delays in June 2009, when it was found that the wing’s composite stringers were separating from the upper wing skins.
Fancher called the successful completion of these tests a “critical step” on the road toward certifying the 787 in the fourth quarter of 2010, followed by first delivery to its launch customer, Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
This is by far the most elegant product that boeing has engineered. Kudos to Boeing. and Congratulations on the first successful flight on Boeing Airways.