Boeing (NYSE: BA)
moved the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe from its Final Assembly
facility in Everett to its structural test rig this evening. The test rig
is located only 1,000 feet away from Final Assembly at the Everett factory.
Some assembly remains to be completed on the static airframe. That work
will be completed concurrently with test set-up. Test set up is expected to
begin immediately, with tests commencing this summer.
"During static tests we apply loads to the airplane structure to
simulate both normal operation as well as extreme flight conditions," said
Randy Harley, vice president of Engineering & Technology for the 787
program. "We monitor the airplane to confirm analytical predictions and
make sure the structure holds up to these conditions."
Movement of the static airframe clears the way to begin assembly of the
third 787 to enter the flight test program. Most pieces of the third
airplane arrived in Everett earlier this month. All assemblies for Airplane
#3 are now in Everett, and the airplane will be loaded into the first
position of Final Assembly early next week.
SOURCE Boeing
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