Boeing fixes two more 787s, repeats first flight will be in '09
Boeing said today it finished "side-of-body" repairs over the weekend on two more 787 Dreamliners after announcing the first one was fixed on Thursday. The company also repeated that the first flight of a 787 will take place before the end of the year.
The repair was completed on the 787 static airframe where it will be tested and hopefully validated and on a second flight test 787. The repair involves new fittings at 34 stringer locations where the wing attaches to the fuselage.
Putting out a press release for such a seemingly minor repair is unusual for Boeing. I suspect the motivation arises out the company's desire to communicate to customers, investors, suppliers and the media that first flight REALLY is going happen before year's end after more than two years of delays.
"Concurrently we are restoring the airplanes and completing the functional tests required to fly by the end of the year. This team is focused on its goals and bringing us ever closer to first flight," 787 program general manager Scott Fancher said in a press release.
More coverage of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner on SmartPlanet:
- Boeing 787 repaired wings encounter new composite problem
- Is Boeing opting to expand in S.C. really a good idea?
- New 747-8 Freighter soon to take off
- Top 787 exec Scott Carson to retire
- Boeing 787, the book and the movie: I can't wait
- Boeing eats first three 787s, stretches flight test schedule
- Boeing 787 maiden flight reset for Q4
- Is 787 Dreamliner novel manufacturing strategy on the rocks?
- Boeing's Candor on 787 Delay
- Boeing 787 Delay Call Live
- Boeing 787 First Flight Delayed Again
- Boeing 787 "Gauntlet" videos worth a look
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner mitigates turbulence
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This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com