Boeing said it’s completed modifications to the 787 Dreamliner’s side-of-body section, installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing attaches to the fuselage.
The problem delayed test flights earlier this year. Completion of the work is a “significant step toward first flight,” Boeing vice president and general manager of the 787 program Scott Fancher said in a statement.
Boeing will complete the installations on the static test airframe and the second flight-test airplane in the coming days.
“We will test the modification on the full-scale static test airframe later this month,” Fancher said. “As soon as we confirm the loads are being handled appropriately in the joint we will complete preflight activities on the airplane.”
The company also must reinstall access doors, systems, seals and fasteners removed from the first 787 to prepare it for continued testing. Other airplanes will be modified in the weeks ahead, the company said.
One Comment
Ho-hum!!! Anybody want to wager on how many MORE times the airplane will be delayed? Howzabout how many orders Boeing will lose if the airplane is further delayed???