End of the month 787 Update

This morning Boeing launched a 787 flight test dedicated web site so that anyone can keep tabs on the 787 flight test progress. It includes of all things the cumulative flight test hours for the flight test fleet as well as for each individual airplane.

Hey Boeing, who did you get that idea from?

The hours they've calculated are from internal flight times they've calculated and not based on the hours that are posted on flightaware.com (you can link to the flightaware database by clicking on the individual aircraft. The number of flight hours they're calculating is about 3 hours more than what I have posted. I don't know the reason for the discrepancy.

The web site is very extensive and has a lot of information including the flight test roles for each of the 6 test airplanes, video and news reports from the flight test team and pilots, as well as the usual multimedia suspects one comes to expect. Boeing needs to be applauded for providing a greater degree of transparency at this critical stage of the 787 program.

Boeing 787 Flight Test Site

There are a few other tidbits coming out the 787 program through Matt Cawby. He has video of ZA004 gear swing test as well as reporting that the wings for LN 17 was flown in. This may mean that LN 12 has exited the final assembly line. Matt also reported that Boeing conducted VHF radio checks with ZA003. Lastly, Matt also reports that the third 747-8F (and third flight test aircraft) was moved to the Boeing flightline on Wednesday though it still is unpainted.

Matt Cawby's January 28th Posting

2nd production 787 moved to flightline

While we and the rest of the world waits for the first flight of the 787, Matt Cawby got video and pictures of the 2nd production 787 out on the Everett flightline. The aircraft was moved out the paint hangar 45-03 and onto the ramp at Everett. The aircraft is registered as JA804A.

Inside building 40-26, Boeing workers continue to put together 787s LN 9 to LN 12 (all for ANA). It is expected that LN 13 should be in the Everett factory very soon.

You can view Matt Cawby's picture by clicking here you can also view his video of the aircraft roll out here. Notice that this aircraft also does not have its engines attached yet. That will happen closer to the delivery time.

787 Round Up

Here is some more 787 news for your reading pleasure. BTW, LN 8 (ZA101) is reported by Flightblogger to be in the Boeing paint shop. This now clears the way for Boeing to start final assembly on LN 12 once that rear fuselage secion for that airplane arrives in Everett.

• South Carolina is upping the stakes for the 2nd 787 final assembly line as the the SC State Senate approved a deal to entice Boeing to locate the line to North Charleston. This comes on the heels of news that there hasn't been much progress in Boeing's talks with the IAM to keep the second line in Everett. Paramount of Boeing's concerns is the strike by IAM that have occurred every 3 to 4 years. Boeing is trying to negotiate a 10 year moratorium on strikes by IAM. I wonder if they forgot about SPEEA?

SC Approves Boeing Incentives

• A couple things from Flightglobal - First Mary Kirby reported that Boeing has let an RFP to equip the 787s with wireless Internet connectivity. The connectivity would be via satcom broadband and Boeing is aiming to have it integrated into the in flight entertainment system (IFE). Panasonic and many airline customers have been pushing for this for sometime and it seems that the technology has matured enough that Boeing is now making it a priority.

Boeing RFI for 787 wireless internet connectivity

• Also from Flightglobal, is news that airline executives from Polish carrier LOT will be talking with Boeing about LOT's 787 order. The delay to the 787 has hampered LOT's ability to open up new routes. I am swilling to bet that Boeing will give the same deal and assurances to LOT that they gave to Qatar Airways.

LOT Senior Management talks 787 with Boeing

• Lastly, a new book hit the bookshelves this week. The title of this book: Boeing 787 Dreamliner by Mark Wagner and Guy Norris. The book covers the development of the 787 from the ashes of the Sonic Cruiser through today's continued issues that Boeing is still facing. It's certainly to be an eye-opening and informative book on this aircraft.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner by Norris and Wagner

Flightblogger: Boeing complete 787 detailed design of 787 fix

Flightblogger is reporting tonight that Boeing has completed the detail design and computer validation of the last few final parts that makes up the 787 side of body join reinforcement fix. These final parts are being fabricated and should be delivered soon to be installed on the static test air frame as well as the test flight aircraft that are currently undergoing the installation of the modification.

Flightblogger is indicating that given that Boeing has finished the detailed design and computer validation of the fix that they have overcome the load issues that were discovered last Spring. Flightblogger is saying the test results received thus far are looking good.

Flightblogger

In other 787 news, Fleetbuzzeditorial.com came out with some great pictures of the 787 final assembly line:

Fleetbuzzeditorial.com - ZA100 and ZA101 at Everett

Additionally, Fleetbuzzeditorial.com also put out an interesting piece about the 2nd assembly line for the 787. This line is going to be crucial for Boeing to meet it delivery obligations. Here the article addresses the issues of the 2nd line, the choice ahead for Boeing and the pitfalls facing Boeing.

Second Guessing 787 Second Line

Lastly, the LCF's continue to make regular runs between the 787 suppliers and Everett. The nose section , wings, main fuselage, horizontal and vertical stabilizers for airplane 12 (LN 12) are already in Everett and I do believe the rear fuselage section is also in there though I have no confirmation. There should have been a line move already or will happen soon so that LN 8 (2nd production aircraft) will be moved out of building 40-26 thus clearing the way for airplane 12 to start final assembly in the coming days. Thus far Boeing is looking to maintain a 1 airplane/month production rate and gradually ramping that up to 10/month by the end of 2012. LN 7, the first production 787 is already outdoor on the Boeing flightline sans the Roll Royce Trent 1000s:

ZA100

Flightblogger 787 Update

Well now that we've reached the end of the third quarter, Flightblogger Jon Ostrower has but up a 787 update reviewing some of the happenings in the 787 program. Here's a bulleted synopsis:

• James Albaugh visited Boeing Charleston. There is talk of Boeing applying for permits to start clearing land for the 2nd assembly line facility. This comes right on top of Washington's State proposal to Boeing to keep the 2nd line in Everett. Also there seems to be some surveying and construction equipment at the Charleston site.
• Flightblogger made a correction regarding when the first 787-9 while be produced. Earlier he said it would be the 109th airframe to come off the line (LN 109). It will actually be the 139th airframe according to the latest production schedule.
• Well the 787 backlog is shrinking but because customers are cancelling. The latest is TUI which cancelled 10 787-8 but took purchase rights on 13 air frames. Whoop Dee Doo. Flightblogger also lists out the threats to the 787 backlog from other airlines considering cancelling their orders. It's a very dangerous time for the 787. They need to get it the air real soon.
• Production - Dreamliner 11 sections should all be in be earlier next week allowing the 787 line to move forward. The wings for Dreamliner 12 will be bought in early next week and ZA100 (LN7) will be moved out to the paint hangar to get an aqueous wash and paint job. It will not have the side of body fix installed. That will be done later but there is access to the areas of the wing and fuselage in order to install the fix. Dreamliner 11 will start final assembly later next week.

Flightblogger 787 News

Aviation Week: Trent 1000 getting closer to spec

Jon Ostrower reported on an article in Aviation Week that Rolls Royce is closer to getting the Trent 1000 engines closer to its original fuel consumption specs.

The improvement won't show up until later this year when ZA004 will be outfitted with the improved engines. The production ready motors will be installed on the 12th 787 (ZA105 or the 6th production standard 787).

Read Jon's article here.