Boeing confirms completion of mods on static air frame and Dreamliner 2

Both Photos Courtesy of Boeing

This out from Boeing early (very) this morning:

Boeing Completes Side-of-Body Installations on Two More 787
Dreamliners

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has completed installing reinforcements within the side-of-body section of two more 787 Dreamliners.

Over the weekend, employees at Boeing's facility in Everett, Wash., finished reinforcing the full-scale static test airframe and the second Dreamliner designated for flight test. Installations were completed Nov. 11 on the first flight-test airplane.

The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage.

"Our focus now is on completing the static test later this month, which will validate the modification," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Concurrently we are restoring the airplanes and completing the functional tests required to fly by the end of the year."

The static test airframe is being refitted with strain gauges and instrumentation required for testing. Access doors, systems, seals and fasteners removed from airplane No. 2 to provide access are being restored in preparation for continued testing on the airplane. The first 787 also is being restored.

Fancher said the program is on track to fly the 787 by the end of the year.

"We are building momentum with each milestone we achieve," Fancher said. "This team is focused on its goals and bringing us ever closer to first flight."

I'm assuming that Dreamliner 2 will finish up reassembly activities inside 40-24. Additionally, Matt Cawby is reporting that the fatigue test air frame and Dreamliner 2 (ZA002, LN2) will swap places with Dreamliner 2 going into building 40-24 and the fatigue test air frame taking its place on the flightline prior to undergoing modifications for the side of body join.

Matt Cawby's 787 Update