Intermediate gauntlet testing is underway and according to Guy Norris, ZA001 will go through 5 blocks of tests during the early period of intermediate gauntlet testing. Additionally, the start of this testing was slightly delayed for unknown reasons. The five blocks outlines by Guy should be completed by late Sunday night. Of course this is just the start of intermediate gauntlet testing that is expected to last until next Friday.
Lastly, Guy says that there is testing ongoing on ZA002 which includes tests on the electronic bay cooing system as well as tests on some computerized maintenance tasks.
Guy's 21st 787 Report
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Guy Norris: ZA001 to start intermediate gauntlet tests today
UPDATE: Flightblogger is reporting that ZA001 is powered up and engines are running possibly signalling the start of gauntlet testing. Also Jon put up a few spectacular pics of the 787 from a different perspective. Jon's latest post.
Guy Norris posted on his blog early (very early) this morning that intermediate gauntlet should start later today. According to his report Boeing should have started some engine run tests at about 3 AM local time followed by a simulated Boeing B-1 standard profile first flight which all Boeing airplanes go through before they are delivered to customers. This should be followed by a modified B-1 test along with test of the GE-developed CCS (Common Core System).
There will be other systems tests during the day as well. If everything goes well, then intermediate gauntlet testing should conclude around June 5th. It's unknown how long final gauntlet would take but I'm opining that it would be about 3 to 4 days at the most but I'm not too sure. After the final gauntlet, Boeing would undertake Hot Fire tests of the engines and then low speed and high speed taxi tests with and RTO test thrown in there the day before first flight.
Let me wrap up by linking you to Randy's Jounrnal (Randy Tinseth's Blog at Boeing). He has a great view of the first engine tests that occurred last week.
Guy's 20th 787 Update
Randy's Journal
Guy Norris posted on his blog early (very early) this morning that intermediate gauntlet should start later today. According to his report Boeing should have started some engine run tests at about 3 AM local time followed by a simulated Boeing B-1 standard profile first flight which all Boeing airplanes go through before they are delivered to customers. This should be followed by a modified B-1 test along with test of the GE-developed CCS (Common Core System).
There will be other systems tests during the day as well. If everything goes well, then intermediate gauntlet testing should conclude around June 5th. It's unknown how long final gauntlet would take but I'm opining that it would be about 3 to 4 days at the most but I'm not too sure. After the final gauntlet, Boeing would undertake Hot Fire tests of the engines and then low speed and high speed taxi tests with and RTO test thrown in there the day before first flight.
Let me wrap up by linking you to Randy's Jounrnal (Randy Tinseth's Blog at Boeing). He has a great view of the first engine tests that occurred last week.
Guy's 20th 787 Update
Randy's Journal
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Flightblogger: ZA001 intermediate gauntlet to start today
UPDATE: Flightblogger is reporting that gauntlet testing along with the pre-gauntlet engine tests won't start until tomorrow. Today was "Shop Gauntlet Work" that took place.
Flightblogger is reporting that intermediate gauntlet testing on ZA001 may start as early as mid day today.
Boeing was to have some engine runs today followed by pre-gauntlet test meetings following those engine runs.
If things look good then Boeing should start the intermediate gauntlet tests today starting with a simulated first flight profile test with simulated failures of the aircraft systems. Boeing had already run through the intermediate gauntlet tests on the integrated test vehicle (ITV).
Lastly, Jon reports that ZA002 ran through its gear swing tests and ZA004 and ZA005 have their engines. That's Trent 1000s for ZA004 and GEnx for ZA005.
Also it appears that the LCF is not delivering the main fuselage section for ZA100 today.
Jon's May 28th Update
Flightblogger is reporting that intermediate gauntlet testing on ZA001 may start as early as mid day today.
Boeing was to have some engine runs today followed by pre-gauntlet test meetings following those engine runs.
If things look good then Boeing should start the intermediate gauntlet tests today starting with a simulated first flight profile test with simulated failures of the aircraft systems. Boeing had already run through the intermediate gauntlet tests on the integrated test vehicle (ITV).
Lastly, Jon reports that ZA002 ran through its gear swing tests and ZA004 and ZA005 have their engines. That's Trent 1000s for ZA004 and GEnx for ZA005.
Also it appears that the LCF is not delivering the main fuselage section for ZA100 today.
Jon's May 28th Update
787 News - May 28,2009
Not too much to report except:
1) Boeing booked 5 orders from an unidentified customer for the 787. No word on which type (-8 or -9) though that will probably be revealed in a couple of weeks when Boeing releases its monthly order and deliviery numbers. Interestingly Boeing also booked a cancellation of 5 767s at the same time so I wonder if the cancellation has anything to do with the order for 5 airplanes? The only airlines that have the 767 on order (passenger version) are ANA, JAL and Lan. These carriers also have already placed orders for the 787 as well.
2) The LCF is on its way to Everett this morning from Charleston. It might be carrying the main fuselage section for ZA100 though we'll know a little later today.
No word on the start of intermediate gauntlet testing yet.
1) Boeing booked 5 orders from an unidentified customer for the 787. No word on which type (-8 or -9) though that will probably be revealed in a couple of weeks when Boeing releases its monthly order and deliviery numbers. Interestingly Boeing also booked a cancellation of 5 767s at the same time so I wonder if the cancellation has anything to do with the order for 5 airplanes? The only airlines that have the 767 on order (passenger version) are ANA, JAL and Lan. These carriers also have already placed orders for the 787 as well.
2) The LCF is on its way to Everett this morning from Charleston. It might be carrying the main fuselage section for ZA100 though we'll know a little later today.
No word on the start of intermediate gauntlet testing yet.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Flightblogger: Details on revised gauntlet testing on ZA001
Jon Ostrower revealed some of Boeing's revised gauntlet testing timetable and how it impacts the ZA001's path to first flight.
First off the maturity of the systems, given all the testing that these systems had undergone during the delays allowed Boeing to get these systems to a more mature flight ready condition than would have otherwise been possible.
Further Boeing is supposed to start intermediate gauntlet testing as either today or tomorrow and will run 7 days. Originally intermediate gauntlet wasn't going to be as long but they essentially have moved certain final gauntlet tasks to the left of the schedule and made them part of the intermediate gauntlet testing and thus shortening the time needed for final gauntlet testing.
Jon explains that Boeing is able to do this because they figured out what testing can be done concurrently and what test are absolutely necessary prior to first flight.
Lastly, Matt Cawby reported that Boeing undertook two HF radio checks as well as running the RAT twice to verify RPM and amperage as well as testing the high lift control system for the flaps and slats.
Flightblogger report
Matt Cawby's report
First off the maturity of the systems, given all the testing that these systems had undergone during the delays allowed Boeing to get these systems to a more mature flight ready condition than would have otherwise been possible.
Further Boeing is supposed to start intermediate gauntlet testing as either today or tomorrow and will run 7 days. Originally intermediate gauntlet wasn't going to be as long but they essentially have moved certain final gauntlet tasks to the left of the schedule and made them part of the intermediate gauntlet testing and thus shortening the time needed for final gauntlet testing.
Jon explains that Boeing is able to do this because they figured out what testing can be done concurrently and what test are absolutely necessary prior to first flight.
Lastly, Matt Cawby reported that Boeing undertook two HF radio checks as well as running the RAT twice to verify RPM and amperage as well as testing the high lift control system for the flaps and slats.
Flightblogger report
Matt Cawby's report
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Guy Norris: Intermediate Gauntlet May Start On May 28th.
UPDATE: The LCF did fly in the forward fuselage section for ZA100 (the first production 787 for ANA). All that's left is the main fuselage section and final assembly can start on this airplane.
Some news on the schedule for the 787 first flight. Guy Norris is saying that intermediate gauntlet could start as early as this Thursday (May 28th) but it seems that Boeing may still be finalizing the final content of the intermediate. Guy reported that a final pre-intermediate gauntlet test meeting has been pushed back until tomorrow from today.
Also Matt Cawby is reporting on his web site that ZA001 has undergone VHF/RF radio checks until about 2 PM Monday afternoon when they closed down for the Memorial Day holiday. Additionally, Matt reported that the APU was tested twice, once on right common motor controller starter and the other time on the electric motor pump circuit. Matt also said that full gear swing tests were conducted while the aircraft was in the air mode.
Guy's Report
Matt's Report
Finally, it looks like the LCF might be flying in the nose section for ZA100 this afternoon.
Some news on the schedule for the 787 first flight. Guy Norris is saying that intermediate gauntlet could start as early as this Thursday (May 28th) but it seems that Boeing may still be finalizing the final content of the intermediate. Guy reported that a final pre-intermediate gauntlet test meeting has been pushed back until tomorrow from today.
Also Matt Cawby is reporting on his web site that ZA001 has undergone VHF/RF radio checks until about 2 PM Monday afternoon when they closed down for the Memorial Day holiday. Additionally, Matt reported that the APU was tested twice, once on right common motor controller starter and the other time on the electric motor pump circuit. Matt also said that full gear swing tests were conducted while the aircraft was in the air mode.
Guy's Report
Matt's Report
Finally, it looks like the LCF might be flying in the nose section for ZA100 this afternoon.
Monday, May 25, 2009
787: No rest for the weary on Memorial Day
Despite the Memorial Day Weekend, Boeing is still going full tilt is getting the 787 ready for its first flight. They have 36 days to get her in the air with gauntlet testing, low speed and high speed taxi runs still ahead for ZA001.
Guy Norris reported that VHF/RF tests were completed yesterday and today they're running verification tests of the systems test monitor devices.
Matt Cawby reports on his blog that controls surfaces were tested yesterday in the air mode using the center hydraulic system as well as cycling the right engine thrust reverser 30 times between the stowed and deployed positions.
Guy's Report
Matt's Report
Guy Norris reported that VHF/RF tests were completed yesterday and today they're running verification tests of the systems test monitor devices.
Matt Cawby reports on his blog that controls surfaces were tested yesterday in the air mode using the center hydraulic system as well as cycling the right engine thrust reverser 30 times between the stowed and deployed positions.
Guy's Report
Matt's Report
Friday, May 22, 2009
Flightblogger: Road to first flight getting shorter than planned
Evidence of Boeing's increasing confidence of the maturity of the 787 systems and architecture is leading the company to push up testing of the systems of the aircraft and even shorten the gauntlet testing that is needed before first flight according to Jon Ostrower.
Jon quoted Scott Francher, VP and general manager of the 787 program saying that intermediate gauntlet testing is due to start in about two weeks but due to the maturity of the systems this testing would last about 7 days instead of 8 days. Intermediate testing involves running the engines 24 hours a day for 7 straight days and subjecting the 787 to simulated failures and challenges and observing the reactions.
Also some of the final gauntlet testing will be now moved into intermediate testing further demonstrating the maturity of the 787 systems.
Much of this maturity came about becuase of extensive systems integration testing in the Boeing labs during the production delays of the last two years.
Recently Jojn reported that the engines were run at various times on Thursday at times to 80% of thrust. Flight control hyrdaulics systems tests were conducted as well as the VHF/HF radio tests. Today (Friday) higher power tests were to be conducted.
Jon's Road to 787 First Flight Update - May 22nd
Jon quoted Scott Francher, VP and general manager of the 787 program saying that intermediate gauntlet testing is due to start in about two weeks but due to the maturity of the systems this testing would last about 7 days instead of 8 days. Intermediate testing involves running the engines 24 hours a day for 7 straight days and subjecting the 787 to simulated failures and challenges and observing the reactions.
Also some of the final gauntlet testing will be now moved into intermediate testing further demonstrating the maturity of the 787 systems.
Much of this maturity came about becuase of extensive systems integration testing in the Boeing labs during the production delays of the last two years.
Recently Jojn reported that the engines were run at various times on Thursday at times to 80% of thrust. Flight control hyrdaulics systems tests were conducted as well as the VHF/HF radio tests. Today (Friday) higher power tests were to be conducted.
Jon's Road to 787 First Flight Update - May 22nd
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Boeing Press Release regarding engine run
Photo courtesy of Boeing
Here is Boeing Press Release from today's engine run:
Boeing Completes First 787 Dreamliner Engine Runs
EVERETT, Wash., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA continued to make steady progress toward the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner, completing the first engine runs on the all-new airplane. The occasion marks the first all-electric start of a commercial jetliner engine on a twin-aisle commercial jetliner; the engines had been started electronically in test facilities earlier.
Engine runs began at 9:30 a.m. (PDT) today and ended 40 minutes later. During initial engine runs, the engines are started and operated at various power settings to ensure all systems perform as expected. Today's engine run test began with the Auxiliary Power System providing power to start the two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. Basic systems checks continued throughout the test. The engines were powered down and inspected and will be restarted following a technical review. The team completed a vibration check and monitored the shutdown logic to ensure it functioned as expected.
"We were very pleased with the performance on the engines during this test," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "We will now get ready for our intermediate and final gauntlet tests."
First Pics of 787 engine start
Photos courtesy of Liz Matzelle
A very special thanks to Liz Matzelle for allowing me to upload her pics.
Interesting note: Liz Matzelle told me that the engines are SILENT when they're on. The frogs 100 ft away from her were louder than the engines. WOW!
787 Pre start activities on going
Guy Norris Updated his blog with Rolls Royce confirming that the engines are on. Guy also said that Boeing is speeding up ground testing with hydraulic testing slated for tomorrow. Intermediate gauntlet testing should start very soon.
Guy's blog posting.
UPDATE: ENGINES ARE ON!!!!
UPDATE: Jon Ostrower is reporting that intermediate gauntlet will start sooner than anticipated by Boeing. Good news! Also power on for ZA003 will occur very soon. Boeing is saying that gauntlet testing will be in the next two weeks and ground testing is progressing very rapidly. Also development work on the 787-9 has begun. Boeing plans to have firm configuration by the end of the 4th quarter of this year. Still planning on 10/month 787 production by mid-2012. Boeing have implemented several blocks of improvments in the production aircraft. First block has improvements mainly in the wing. Certification for lightening strikes is on going.
Pre start activities for the first start of the Trent 1000s are taking place. A fire truck has been moved up and the engine cowlings have been closed and locked. These pre start tests should soon lead to first engine start soon.
Guy's blog posting.
UPDATE: ENGINES ARE ON!!!!
UPDATE: Jon Ostrower is reporting that intermediate gauntlet will start sooner than anticipated by Boeing. Good news! Also power on for ZA003 will occur very soon. Boeing is saying that gauntlet testing will be in the next two weeks and ground testing is progressing very rapidly. Also development work on the 787-9 has begun. Boeing plans to have firm configuration by the end of the 4th quarter of this year. Still planning on 10/month 787 production by mid-2012. Boeing have implemented several blocks of improvments in the production aircraft. First block has improvements mainly in the wing. Certification for lightening strikes is on going.
Pre start activities for the first start of the Trent 1000s are taking place. A fire truck has been moved up and the engine cowlings have been closed and locked. These pre start tests should soon lead to first engine start soon.
Dreamliner engines on?
UPDATE: Jon confirms that the test's last night was not engine start but the steps to engine start prior to actual ignition and start of the engines. Simply put, Boeing wanted to verify that fuel is flowing to the engines and that there are no issues prior to actually turning on the engines. Jon called it the "Braxton Hicks" engine start. Pretty Funny! Actual engine start and run at idle speeds should take place later this afternoon. I hope to have a video of it later on.
According to Flightblogger, ZA001 may have turned on it's Trent 1000 engines for the first time late last night (Thursday, May 20) and have them running at the idle setting but a comment left on Jon's post said it hadn't happened and that it was just spinning the engines and adding fuel. I'm still trying to find out what is happening.
Guy Norris also said that ZA002 is being prepared to go through factory gauntlet around this weekend and allow the aircraft ot be cleared for further gauntlet testing as well as fuel pad tests and roll out to the flight line.
Guy also reported that simulations are on going in the ITV (Integrated Test Vehicle) including simulations of the intermediate gauntlet tests that will take place shortly. Crews are also undertaking practice for ZA005 and ZA006 test flight in the ITV as well as testing the connection to the telemetry system that will download test data from the 787 test flight fleet to be processed and analyzed by the 787 flight test engineers.
Jon's Engine Report
Guy's 787 Update
According to Flightblogger, ZA001 may have turned on it's Trent 1000 engines for the first time late last night (Thursday, May 20) and have them running at the idle setting but a comment left on Jon's post said it hadn't happened and that it was just spinning the engines and adding fuel. I'm still trying to find out what is happening.
Guy Norris also said that ZA002 is being prepared to go through factory gauntlet around this weekend and allow the aircraft ot be cleared for further gauntlet testing as well as fuel pad tests and roll out to the flight line.
Guy also reported that simulations are on going in the ITV (Integrated Test Vehicle) including simulations of the intermediate gauntlet tests that will take place shortly. Crews are also undertaking practice for ZA005 and ZA006 test flight in the ITV as well as testing the connection to the telemetry system that will download test data from the 787 test flight fleet to be processed and analyzed by the 787 flight test engineers.
Jon's Engine Report
Guy's 787 Update
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Flightblogger: Engine pre-run tests on going, engine start test very soon
UPDATE: Jon is saying that it's looking more likely that the engine start will take place within the next 24 hours and odds are it'll be tomorrow.
Jon is reporting that Boeing has started engine pre-run tests on ZA001 and, depending on the results of those tests, can see the first start of the Trent 1000s later this afternoon. Stay Tuned!
Engine First Start Test
Jon is reporting that Boeing has started engine pre-run tests on ZA001 and, depending on the results of those tests, can see the first start of the Trent 1000s later this afternoon. Stay Tuned!
Engine First Start Test
Liz Matzelle Video: APU and navigation lights tests
787 Lights and APU from Liz Matzelle on Vimeo.
Video Courtesy of Liz Matzelle
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Flightblogger: First 787 engine start tests may be hours away
Jon Ostrower just posted saying that the first engine start tests may just be hours away as the road to 787 first flight continues on it's current pace. Roll Royce staff is on hand to assist Boeing with the engine start tests which is usually signaled when the residual oil is burnt away resulting in a cloud of white smoke.
Currently the limiting factor is the weather around the Everett area.
Additionally, Matt Cawby reported that ZA001 went through functional tests including APU fire shutdown, RAM deploy and thrust reverser deploy (for the right side). Each of these functional tests were conducted 10 times each.
Things are picking up at Everett.
Jon's Road to 787 First Flight
Matt Cawby's 787 Functional Test Report
Currently the limiting factor is the weather around the Everett area.
Additionally, Matt Cawby reported that ZA001 went through functional tests including APU fire shutdown, RAM deploy and thrust reverser deploy (for the right side). Each of these functional tests were conducted 10 times each.
Things are picking up at Everett.
Jon's Road to 787 First Flight
Matt Cawby's 787 Functional Test Report
Randy's Journal: 787 Update
Randy Tinseth, at Boeing, updated his blog "Randy's Journal" letting us know what is coming up next for the 787 on the road to first flight.
Also Matt Cawby reported that Boeing is/was troubleshooting a high current rate on the APU inlet door actuator motor. The electrical current is to high for some reason but it seems to be a minor issue. Also it has been reported by another blogger that a hydraulic line was accidentally broken by a worker allowing for a leak inside ZA001. The break has been repaired and there are no other issues. This run contrary to a rumor saying that was major problems with the fueling tests of the aircraft as well as the hydraulic tests.
These were nothing but false rumors. The plane is still continuing to an engine first start on either this Thursday or Friday.
Randy Tinseth Blog.
Also Matt Cawby reported that Boeing is/was troubleshooting a high current rate on the APU inlet door actuator motor. The electrical current is to high for some reason but it seems to be a minor issue. Also it has been reported by another blogger that a hydraulic line was accidentally broken by a worker allowing for a leak inside ZA001. The break has been repaired and there are no other issues. This run contrary to a rumor saying that was major problems with the fueling tests of the aircraft as well as the hydraulic tests.
These were nothing but false rumors. The plane is still continuing to an engine first start on either this Thursday or Friday.
Randy Tinseth Blog.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Guy Norris: Dreamliner 1 moved to parking stall on flightline
Guy Norris confirmed Dreamliner 1's move to parking stall 105 on the Boeing flightline. This is an important milestone prior to starting of the engines and the contiuation of gauntlet testing indicating that first flight is drawing closer.
I still continue to feel that mid June (June 19th) is a strong possibility for first flight though all that depends on how well the rest of the gauntlet testing goes in the weeks and days ahead.
Guy's Road to 787 first flight, part 14.
I still continue to feel that mid June (June 19th) is a strong possibility for first flight though all that depends on how well the rest of the gauntlet testing goes in the weeks and days ahead.
Guy's Road to 787 first flight, part 14.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Liz Matzellle: 787 moved to parking spot on flightline
Pictures courtesy of Liz Matzelle
Liz Matzelle reported that Dreamliner 1 moved from FD-3 (fuel dock) to the flightline (it supposed to be spot 105).
Liz said she went inside the Future of Flight Cafe to upload pictures (ZA001 was still at the fuel dock) when she came outside, it was moved to the parking spot on the flightline. She also saw the lights on on the airplane and was on external power so evidently power was not coming from the APUs. You could see a couple of pictures above. Next would probably be more pre engine start tests this week. According to Jon Ostrower, first engines start should be around Thursday or Friday.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Flightblogger: First 787 engine start around May 21st or 22nd
UPDATE: Jon has updated his blog to reflect new information he got. Dreamliner 1 will be at spot 105 as early as this Sunday but the engines won't actually be spooled up until next Thursday or Friday (May 21 or 22) at the earliest. They'll continue engine run tests through Memorial Day weekend gradually building up the thrust levels in the engines and testing the systems at different power setting on the engines. It is my belief that soon after Memorial Day, Boeing will be starting the intermediate gauntlet testing.
Jon got a lot of juicy details but the most important one is that Dreamliner 1 is due to turn on its Trent 1000s as early as this Sunday.
Right now it's going through final fuel tests along with fuel draining tests. It will then be fully fueled and towed to a remote parking spot by Sunday for the start of engine tests which should last about a week and a half according to Jon which will include high power engine runs that would take place around Memorial Day weekend.
Towards the end of these test, Boeing will initiate the intermediate gauntlet testing verifying the closed loop system of the 787s electrical architecture using both engine and APU power.
Lastly, Jon gave an update on ZA002 and ZA003.
ZA002 is back inside 40-24 where it is finishing up additional tests and then will be moved outside by the end of May to start that airplane on the road to its first flight. Jon says it's tracking closely behind ZA001 and may fly 20 days after ZA001. That would be a huge boost to the testing and certification plan.
ZA003 is now starting to get its passenger interior fitted inside (sounds like they're done with fastener reinstallation) this weekend.
Flightblogger May 15th Report
Jon got a lot of juicy details but the most important one is that Dreamliner 1 is due to turn on its Trent 1000s as early as this Sunday.
Right now it's going through final fuel tests along with fuel draining tests. It will then be fully fueled and towed to a remote parking spot by Sunday for the start of engine tests which should last about a week and a half according to Jon which will include high power engine runs that would take place around Memorial Day weekend.
Towards the end of these test, Boeing will initiate the intermediate gauntlet testing verifying the closed loop system of the 787s electrical architecture using both engine and APU power.
Lastly, Jon gave an update on ZA002 and ZA003.
ZA002 is back inside 40-24 where it is finishing up additional tests and then will be moved outside by the end of May to start that airplane on the road to its first flight. Jon says it's tracking closely behind ZA001 and may fly 20 days after ZA001. That would be a huge boost to the testing and certification plan.
ZA003 is now starting to get its passenger interior fitted inside (sounds like they're done with fastener reinstallation) this weekend.
Flightblogger May 15th Report
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