Dreamliner 1 may start taxi tests soon

According to Guy Norris and Matt Cawby, Boeing may start conducting some taxi tests of Dreamliner 1 very soon. Matt Cawby on his blog post yesterday says that further VHF radio checks were conducted and added that taxi tests appeared imminent.

Matt Cawby also videotaped the LCF delivering the main fuselage section for Dreamliner 14 (LN 14).
Matt Cawby's Dec. 5th blog post

Today Guy Norris posted on his blog at Aviation Week that there is to be a "all hands" safety walk down which is a sign that taxi tests are imminent. Guy also said that testing thus far has gone very well. Now the question remains, with taxi test apparently coming soon, does that mean that Boeing is altering the path to first flight? What other testing is going to happen and when? What about the detailed static test results (should be coming within days). The answers to these questions will help determine when Dreamliner 1 will fly.

787 Countdown to first flight (resumed) Part 2

UPDATE (12/7/2009, 2:50PM) I'm getting word that Dreamliner 1 is being deiced. The only reason to do that is to either run taxi tests or to make sure that the aircrafts movable surfaces are free of ice during flight control surface movements in a test.

Guy Norris 747-8 and 787 updates

Guy Norris of Aviation Week posted a couple of updates for both the 747-8 and the 787 where he reviewed the pre-first flight test activities swirling around both RC501(747-8) and ZA001 (787-8). All indications are is that there is excellent progress being made to get these airplanes up and flying around in the projected time frames that have been revealed here and on Flightblogger.

Guy reinforced the view that Boeing hopes to have two 787s flying around the Seattle area before the end of the year. I wonder how long it'll be to get the other 4 flying test flights in support of certification?

Guy also put forth an interesting first flight date - Dec. 17th which is the 106th Anniversary of the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers. HMMMM.

Now this weekend Guy reported that Boeing should be conducting or have conducted test of he engine electronic controls as well as flight control software regression testing. There will also be testing of several software updates that have since been installed in the aircraft systems. Additionally, the ground team that will monitor telemetry from the aircraft as the first flight starts will be going through a rehearsal of those flight tests. Lastly, for the Dreamliner 2, Boeing plans to start a series of ground tests on that aircraft on Monday, Dec. 7th. I'm assuming that Dreamliner 2 may follow the exact testing path that Dreamliner 1 is currently is undergoing.

Guy Norris' 787 countdown to first flight (resumed) part 1

With the Korean Air order under it's belt and the fact that the 747-8I detailed design is 90% complete, Boeing must is steadily marching towards the Jan. 14th first flight date for the 747-8F.
GE is hoping to wrap up certification testing of the GEnx-2B engines with natural icing tests. They're hoping to do that somewhere up in Everett around the same time that Boeing is hoping to get the 787 up in the air. How's that for karma!

Guy Norris' 747-8 Update

787 First Flight Roulette Wheel

Well I should start taking bets for first flight. I've heard of many dates but a lot of them have coalesced around the 14th to the 22nd.

Well further information reveals that the Dec. 14th to Dec. 19th time frame is looking more and more likely for first flight. Further, Dreamliner 2 is targeted to have it's first flight before Christmas.

In 20 days we could have two 787s flying around the skies of Seattle.

Flightblogger: 787 First Flight Date's a Moving Target

Well the title sums it all up. I even heard a date of Dec. 12th though I really think that date is not realistic. One pattern is emerging: the date is going to be between Dec. 14th and Dec. 22nd and Boeing is marching towards that date.

Flightblogger reported that Boeing performed software checks as well as testing the thrust reversers. The final gauntlet testing is still schedule for next week and ZA002 is inside going through some final reassembly activities as well as getting it's fuel tanks washed out.

Also Matt Cawby reported on his blog that Boeing conducted VHF radio checks on the same frequency that was used for the taxi tests. The nose section for LN14 (Dreamliner 14) was delivered today on the LCF from Spirit Aerosystems.

Flightblogger

Matt Cawby

Airbus start A350XWB production

Airbus announced today that they have started production on the first A350-900 with the laying down of of composite tape for a panel of the center wing box section in Nantes, France. The first airplane should be ready by 2012 for first flight and first delivery is planned for 2013.

Here's Airbus' statement:

A350 XWB first composite lay-up manufactured in Nantes
4 December 2009


Building on Airbus' evolutionary approach to aircraft composites development

The first composite lay-up for the A350 XWB has been manufactured today in Nantes, France, and marks the 'coming to life' of Airbus's new long range aircraft. This panel for the centre wing-box (CWB), entirely made of carbon, has a surface area of 36 square meters, making it the largest "monobloc" composite panel ever manufactured in Nantes, using a new state-of-the-art laying machine. Once assembled in Nantes, the CWB will be delivered to Airbus Saint-Nazaire for integration.

Along with other Airbus facilities, the Airbus plant in Nantes has a high expertise in composite material and is a leader in the manufacture of carbon fibre structural parts, such as the centre wing box and the keel beam for the A350 XWB. On the all-new aircraft Family, 53 per cent of the aircraft by weight will be composite-based, including major elements such as wings and fuselage.

"This key milestone for the A350 XWB programme has been made possible through Airbus' methodical and evolutionary approach to incorporating composites in its aircraft, and the consequent experience gained over many years," said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.

Didier Evrard, Head of the A350 XWB programme added: "The A350 XWB is becoming real, and further builds on our expertise in key areas such as: materials technology; predictive stress analysis and design; composite manufacturing; and composite engineering and assembly, including manufacturing processes and tool technology concepts."

The A350 XWB Family is Airbus' response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300nm / 15,400km, it is available in three basic passenger versions. Moreover, it has the widest fuselage in its category, offering unprecedented levels of
comfort, the lowest operating costs and lowest seat-mile cost of any aircraft in this market segment. Powered by new-generation Rolls-Royce Trent engines, the A350 XWB Family is designed to confront the challenges of high fuel prices, rising passenger expectations, and environmental constraints.

Firm orders for the A350 XWB now stand at 505 from 32 customers worldwide.

Seattle Times: 787 First Flight targeted for Dec. 18th

Seattle Times reporter, Dominick Gates, is reporting that Boeing has set a Dec. 18th first flight date and that they hope to have Dreamliner 1 and Dreamliner 2 both flying by the end of the year.

I had reported earlier this week that Boeing is planning a Dec. 14th first flight date at the earliest so the schedule may have shifted to the right though I have not heard for what reason yet.

Still this is before the previously reported date of Dec. 22nd. I'm trying to confirm this date and the reasons for the move from the 14th.

Boeing Aims for two 787s to fly by year end

747-8I Gets a boost from Korean Air

Boeing Image

Boeing and the 747-8 program got a boost from an important Asian customer, Korean Air, when they signed an MoU (the deal is not finalized and won't appear on Boeing order tally until it is finalized) for 5 747-8I. These 747s will be delivered between 2013 and 2015 and will complement the 747-8F that Korean also will operate. Lately, Korean Air has been a huge Boeing customer with orders for the 787, 777-300ER and the 737. Now with them ordering the 747-8I they are committed to Boeing entire widebody line up. They also have 10 A380s on order.

Boeing's Press Release:

Boeing, Korean Air Announce Order for New 747-8 Intercontinental Five airplanes worth $1.5 billion at list prices

SEATTLE, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Korean Air today announced an order for five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Korean Air is the first Asian airline to order the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.

The airplanes have a total average list price value of $1.5 billion. Korean Air already has arrangements to operate seven 747-8 Freighters.

"This is a great day in the history of our long and enduring partnership with Korean Air," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The technologically advanced 747-8 Intercontinental is particularly well suited for Korean Air's operations. It will provide exceptional levels of passenger comfort, greatly enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions and noise. The announcement comes at an exciting time as we move closer to the first 747-8 Freighter flight in early 2010."

Korean Air plans on flying the 747-8 Intercontinental on long-haul routes to the Americas and Europe.

"The 747-8 Intercontinental fills the void between the 300- and 550-seat airplanes in our future fleet," said Won Tae Cho, managing vice president of Korean Air Passenger Business Division. "The technological enhancements Boeing has made to this airplane will deliver exceptional economics and a flying experience that will thrill our customers, enabling Korean Air to provide Excellence in Flight to our customers."
The new 747-8 Intercontinental is stretched 18.3 feet (5.6 m) from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats in a three-class configuration, an additional 51 seats. It also offers a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,815 km). Using the new GEnx-2B engines, the 747-8 provides airlines a quieter, more fuel-efficient airplane. The 747-8 also provides nearly equivalent trip costs and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs than the 747-400, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume.

The 747-8 also features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. The airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner, including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture will be accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

The 747 program is in the later stages of the 747-8 Intercontinental design phase. Assembly on the airplane is set to begin around mid-2010, with the first delivery of the freighter version scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2011.

With the addition of the Korean Air order, Boeing has secured 110 orders for the 747-8. Thirty-two of the orders are for the 747-8 Intercontinental, and the remaining 78 are for the 747-8 Freighter.

Dreamliner 1's engines are back on!

Photo and Videos Courtesy of Liz Matzelle

ZA001 Right Engine Start from Liz Matzelle on Vimeo.

ZA001 Left Engine Start from Liz Matzelle on Vimeo.

Thanks to Liz Matzelle who braved the cold Washington State weather she was able to confirm that 787 ZA001 (LN1 or Dreamliner 1) has restarted its engines for the first time since this summer. This is the start of the re-testing process leading up to the aircraft's first flight which hopefully should take place on Dec. 14th. Liz's photo shows the telltale smoke of the oil being burnt off as the aircraft Trent 1000 engines are restarted. This was the engine build verification tests that Flightblogger alluded to in his post. After the engine tests, navigational systems checks should be next within the next couple of days followed by closed loop gauntlet testing that should start early next week. Stay tuned, this is getting good.

787 may fly on Dec. 14th

Photo by Liz Matzelle

Sources have told me that Boeing is targeting Dec. 14 at 10AM for the first flight of the 787.

This schedule is dependent on three important tasks being completed:
1. Detailed analysis of wing limit load test
2. Gauntlet testing (presumably done concurrently with the detailed wing load limit analysis)
3. Low/High speed taxi test and rejected take off tests

Sources have also said that ZA001 can start engine runs as early as this week.
ZA002 is not ready to undertake any testing as its fuel tanks are not closed or have had an aqueous wash after the modifications.

The immediate question is can Boeing pull it off so soon? They can in my opinion. When Boeing announced the latest delay, they were one week away from first flight and had completed all the major gauntlet testing and were about to start taxi tests, some of which they did do (low speed). With the potential clearance of the side of body flaw in about 10 days, Boeing would be back to the same spot they were on June 23rd. Boeing can concurrently carry out the detailed analysis of the static tests along with the gauntlet retesting as well as conduct low speed taxi runs up to the point that the detailed analysis is complete during those next 10 days. If it done by Dec. 10th then Boeing can have four days to do high speed taxi runs and rejected take off testing and go immediately into flight test mode on Dec. 14th.

Finally I reported that the 787 and 747-8 would make the first flight on the same day. That has since been disproved and the 747-8F will make it's first flight on Jan. 14th as I had posted earlier.

UPDATE - Flightblogger also is reporting the same news that ZA001 can be flying as early as Dec. 14th weather permitting.

First Flight Countdown Begins for 787

787 passes static wing load test

Future of Flight Picture

This evening several sources reported that the 787 static test air frame had passed the static wing load tests. This was later confirmed this evening in a Boeing press release which is below:

Boeing Completes 787 Dreamliner Static Test

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today completed the static test necessary to validate the side-of-body modification made to the 787 Dreamliner. The company expects a full analysis of the test results to be concluded in approximately 10 days. A successful test result is needed to clear the airplane for its planned first flight next month.

During today's test on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe, the wing and trailing edges of the airframe were subjected to its limit load -- the highest loads expected to be seen in service. The load is about the same as 2.5 times the force of gravity for the wing.

Boeing announced on June 23 that it was necessary to reinforce an area of structure at the side-of-body section of the 787. The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage. The modifications were completed on the first two flight-test airplanes and the full-scale static test airplane earlier this month.

"Today's test was an important milestone for the program. We will confirm the test results after the completion of our detailed analysis," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

Boeing engineers still needs to finish detailed analysis of the test data but it's looking very good. ZA001 and ZA002 are both back out on the flightline and it's expected that ZA002 will perform additional taxi tests this week. The detailed analysis should take about 10 days to complete but I expect that during this time Boeing will carry out the additional and needed gauntlet testing as well as taxi tests on the 787 in advance of the 787 first flight.

Now according to Matt Cawby's blog, both 787 ZA001 and 747-8F RC501 will attempt their first flights (B1 flight) on December 22nd. While this date is expected for the 787 this is a surprise for the 747-8F and is an attempt to take advantage of maximum exposure on both these aircraft and to show that these programs are back on track.

Matt Cawby's Nov. 30th Blog Post

Earlier both the Seattle Times and Flightblogger reported that the 787 had passed the crucial wing load test to 100% of design loads (the ultimate or 150% design load test will come in 2010 and is not needed for first flight but needed for FAA certification). The passing of the design load limit test means that the side of body fix designed by Boeing engineers works according to their computer models.

Seattle Times

Flightblogger

Wing Load test started on static test 787

Matt Cawby reported on his blog today that Boeing has started a wing load test on ZY997, the 787 static test air frame. More on this when I get more information.

Matt Cawby's Nov. 27 blog post

Other news from the aviation world

We all know the aviation world doesn't revolve around the 787...yet, so here some other interesting tid bits to tide you over until the next 787 update.
Heathrow is demolishing T2 to make way for a brand spanking new T2 that will replace the old T2 and T1. Looks real nice to me especially since T2 has been around since 1955, it's time for a change.
The first phase of the project should be done by 2013 and the second phase should be completed by 2019.

Introducing Heathrow's New Terminal 2

Moving on to other topics. Looks like the A400M may beat the 787 into the skies. There's word going around that first flight for the European military transport is penciled in for November 30 (2009). The aircraft has already completed one set of low speed taxi tests so the Nov. 30th date is not out of the realm of the possible.

A400M Taxi Trials

Lastly, there was an interesting report out on the heels of EADS admission that the A380 is a matter of concern. With only 202 orders over the past 9 years since the aircraft was launched and a lot of customer deferrals for the aircraft, Airbus is going to have great difficulty getting the production rate up to any meaningful number let alone 40/year that they had hoped they would achieve in 2010. The fact that Lufthansa's first A380 has been delayed from the spring 2010 into the summer doesn't make any one feel more confident about the direction ofthis program. This can effect EADS' other programs especially the A350. Here's a very interesting research piece from Gerson Lehrman Group.

Airbus Battles with Continued A380 Woes

Boeing shows off its newest member of the 747 family

Randy Tinseth post a great post full of pictures and video of the 747-8F heading for the paint hangar as well as pics after the paint job was done. Great pics and you can truly appreciate the length of the 747-8.

It looks incredible. First flight is still penciled in for January 14th, 2010.

Let It Roll

Can 787 surge help the KC-767?

Leeham analyst Scott Hamilton put out a very interesting piece on his blog suggesting that the 787 production surge that is going to take place in Everett prior to start of the production run in North Charleston, SC will lead to lower production cost and ultimately a lower bid price on the KC-767 Tanker when compared to the EADS KC-330. This may be a huge advantage for the KC-767.

Read on here.

787 still tracking for Dec. 22nd first flight

According to sources Boeing is still tracking to a first flight on December 22nd. Boeing hopes to start testing the fix on the static air frame after the Thanksgiving holidays (next week) and verify what their computer models are telling them.

Once that is complete then the way should be clear to restart pre-flight gauntlet tests followed by taxi tests and then first flight.

Additionally, the remainder of the test fleet as well as the production models completed thus far should go through the side of body modification in fairly rapid order.

I would expect that Boeing should have a good understanding if the side of body modifications work soon after they complete the tests. They will still have to review the test results with the FAA and get their approval prior to the continuation of the test program.

Flightblogger: 787 Fleet location

UPDATE (11/22/2009): ZA002 has been moved out to the Everett flightline and it seems that all the wing to body fairings have been reinstalled indicating that reassembly tasks maybe complete. See a picture of the Everett flight line by clicking here.

Flightblogger posted a great summary of where all the 787s are and the status of each aircraft

ZA001/LN1 : In paint hangar undergoing reassembly and should move to building 40-24 (767 line) this weekend to complete those reassembly tasks

ZA002/LN2 : Finish modifications and is in building 40-24 for reassembly tasks

ZA003/LN3 : In building 40-24 under going side of body modifications

ZA004/LN4 : At the ATS Hanger under going side of body modifications

ZA005/LN5 : On the Everett flightline awaiting it's turn for side of body modification

ZA006/LN6 : On the Everett flightline awaiting it's turn for side of body modification

ZA100/LN7 : On the Everett flightline awaiting it's turn for side of body modification

ZA101/LN8 : On the Everett flightline awaiting it's turn for side of body modification

ZA102/LN9 : At the ATS Hangar awaiting it's turn for side of body modification

ZA103/LN10 : In building 40-26 undergoing final assembly

ZA104/LN11 : In building 40-26 undergoing final assembly

ZA105/LN12 : In building 40-26 undergoing final assembly

ZA115/LN13 : In building 40-26 undergoing final assembly

ZA116/LN14 : Parts are arriving (horizontal stab and wings in da house)

Flightblogger : Getting Oriented

Boeing Announces Charleston, SC Groundbreaking

Boeing Image

Well now it's underway. Can't wait to see the first 787 rolling out in about 18 months or so

Boeing Breaks Ground on Second 787 Assembly Line in North Charleston, SC

Boeing facility expands production capability and increases footprint in South Carolina

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes.

"Today's event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that will strengthen the 787 program and allow us to continue building on the footprint we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Locating the second line in North Charleston will allow Boeing to successfully compete in the aerospace market and grow for the long-term benefit of many stakeholders."

Today's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Albaugh; South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; Sen. Lindsey Graham; Sen. Jim DeMint; Rep. Henry Brown; Rep. James Clyburn; State Sen. Hugh Leatherman; State Sen. Glenn McConnell; State Rep., Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell; Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, Sr.; North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and other key officials from South Carolina. Anita Zucker, chairperson and CEO of The InterTech Group, Inc., served as master of ceremonies for the event.

Boeing Charleston performs fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 aft fuselage sections. Global Aeronautica, which is 50 percent owned by Boeing, is responsible for joining and integrating 787 fuselage sections from other structural partners.

"We look forward to expanding our capability in South Carolina through our existing site, while maintaining our commitment to the Puget Sound region where Boeing Commercial Airplanes remains headquartered," said Albaugh. "Puget Sound will continue to design and produce airplanes, including the 787."

The 787 Dreamliner will be more efficient, quieter and have lower emissions than other airplanes while offering passengers greater comfort and the convenience of direct, nonstop flights between more cities around the world. Fifty-five customers around the world have ordered 840 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history. The 787 family of airplanes will carry 210 to 330 passengers on flights up to 8,500 nautical miles (15,750 km).

Dow Jones confirms Dec. 22nd first flight date

I want to thank Dow Jones for confirming what I had reported 10 days ago!!!

Dow Jones 787 First Flight Date

First 747-8F out of paint Hangar

Boeing Photo

Boeing showed off the newest version of the 747 painted in the Boeing "light" scheme. It will now proceed for fueling tests followed by APU start and then first engine start and intermediate gauntlet.

In a little bit of 787 news, the fatigue test air frame is now in the temporary tent hangar on the Everett flightline which may mean that this air frame may be next to undergo the side of body modification. A 747LCF also delivered the next horizontal stabilizer for Dreamliner 13.

787 vs A400M, Irish bookmakers taking bets on first flight

Ok, so who's up for placing a bet? Irish bookmaker, Paddy Power, is giving the 787 1-2 odds for making it into the air before the A400M which is at 6-4. Both planemakers are saying that they expect first flight for these two airplanes before the end of the year.

Boeing's Dreamliner Odds-on For First Take Off