Saturday, March 14, 2009

787 line moved on Friday (March 13)

Boeing moved the 787 line on Friday March 13th.). Dreamliner 3 was moved out of the line to building 40-22 (747 line) where it will continue assembly thus moving Dreamliner 4 and Dreamliner 5 down one spot and making room for Dreamliner 6 to start final assembly on Monday March 16th in position 1. Dreamliner 2 will remain it is current spot in position 4 in building 40-26

The final section for that airplane, the main center fuselage is being flown tonight to Everett from Global Aeronautica on the Dreamlifter. Track the LCF flight here.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

If Plane # 6 is in the #1 position, doesn't that block plane # 3 &4 from coming off the line when completed?

That is, what is the importance of the order...although most lines mean first in line is first to "enter", is there any explainable logic to the present positioning?

Anonymous said...

Is there any way to contact you directly with questions/comments/inquiries ?

Uresh said...

With regards to the order of the positions in the 787 final assembly building:

There are four assembly positions on the 78 line, 1 through 4. Position 1 is where the 787 pieces are bought together and assembled (it's called the big bang). Position 2 is where the 787 get's it's engines and landing gear as well as finish up some assembly tasks and position 3 is where the customer interiors are installed. Position 4 is saved for growth....essentially to allow Boeing to increase production and that position is closest to the main hanger door from which the completed airplane leaves to go get painted and start testing. Right now airplane 2 in in position 4, right behind that one is airplane 4, and behind that one is airplane 5. Position 1 is empty for now but will be loaded with the parts for airplane 6 by tomorrow.

Airplane 3 was moved out of position 3 on Friday night and placed inside the 747 assembly building. So airplane 6 being in position 1 doesn't block any airplanes because all of them are in front of position 1.

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Anonymous said...

What is the status of plane #2 and why did they move it off the line into another building? A normal progression or some other reason...

Uresh said...

As far as I kow LN 2 is still undergoing assembly tasks in building 40-26. It is due to be powered on for the first time very soon (perhaps as early as this week). I think it's staying in the assembly building to undergo the power on proceedure and make sure that ther eare no anonomallys. I am trying to find out why LN 2 wasn't moved out and when it will be moved out. This airplane is important as it will undertake the necessary ground vibration testing prior to first flight of LN 1.

Anonymous said...

Given the order of the planes and the information you are aware of, in what order will the planes fly and does this appear to you to be a sensible approach...with the time factor geared to a first quarter 2010 delivery

Uresh said...

I don't have any new information on this and Boeing is saying that they could fly in any order but I do expect that LN 1 will fly followed by LN 2. After that I would be surprised if LN 5 flies but I don't think that's a bad proposition. All 6 will be flying by the end of the summer (if not sooner) if Boeing holds to first flight by the end of the 2nd quarter.

Anonymous said...

Do you see any obstacles toward fulfilling the outline of your last answer. Or put another way, which obstacles are the most challenging

Anonymous said...

Would you tell us what the "gauntlet tests" are and how long they take.

Anonymous said...

When plane 6 is put together, how long is it before Boeing starts production on plane #7-20? Do they wait for the results of any tests, etc?

How do they incorporate any changes into the first 2o planes...or do they?

Uresh said...

AS soon as they can move the line again then they'll start working on #7. Boeing will continue to assembl the 787s through the flight test program and essentially stock pile the airplanes. They do have a "change incorporation program" where if there are any changes to be made to the 787s that were assembled or those going through the assembly process then they can be made in an organized and methodical process.

Anonymous said...

Is it possible that there are meaningful changes necessary? That is, a "change incorporation program" is just an orderly way to go back and do what is necessary..but is it disruptive and time consuming...therefore throwing delivery dates further back?

Is that a flight test, build them during flight test risk?

Anonymous said...

Barring any problems, the method or approach you describe should result in a years worth of backlog...that should almost be all 14 (post 6 tested) planes ready upon certification of the flight planes....correct?

Anonymous said...

Is there some test program for planes 7-20? That is, once "completed" how long does it take to "test" it or fly it...or get it ready for delivery?