In wee hours of Saturday morning, ZA001 emerged from from the paint hangar with freshly painted body and wings, as well as cleaned fuel tanks.* The aircraft returned to Building 40-24 (767 Line) where it is parked next to WF001, the first 777 Freighter (N5020K), also painted in the Boeing house livery.
Several hours before, the Alenia-fabricated horizontal stabilizer for the first production 787 arrived in Everett from Italy for Dreamliner Seven onboard the LCF. The stabilizer, which is the largest monolithic composite structure on the 787, joins a specially painted blue rudder on the assembly floor. The rudder currently sports a paintjob that would indicate the tail will read 7-8-7, similar to that of Dreamliner One when delivered to ANA.
In the near term, several sources indicate that ZA001 could be on the flight line as early as next week, though the way the time line is structured suggests that the factory gauntlet could actually commence outside of the factory.
The factory gauntlet is first of three stages of closed-loop systems testing that verifies the proper software and hardware functionality of the aircraft. The first phase is run on external and battery power.
*In case you were wondering the 787-8 holds 33,528 gallons of fuel.
Several hours before, the Alenia-fabricated horizontal stabilizer for the first production 787 arrived in Everett from Italy for Dreamliner Seven onboard the LCF. The stabilizer, which is the largest monolithic composite structure on the 787, joins a specially painted blue rudder on the assembly floor. The rudder currently sports a paintjob that would indicate the tail will read 7-8-7, similar to that of Dreamliner One when delivered to ANA.
In the near term, several sources indicate that ZA001 could be on the flight line as early as next week, though the way the time line is structured suggests that the factory gauntlet could actually commence outside of the factory.
The factory gauntlet is first of three stages of closed-loop systems testing that verifies the proper software and hardware functionality of the aircraft. The first phase is run on external and battery power.
*In case you were wondering the 787-8 holds 33,528 gallons of fuel.
on March 24, 2009 3:39 AM | Reply
Yes. More progress and good news about 787 Plane #1.
It is interesting that you mention that the factory gauntlet test could actually begin outside of the factory. Perhaps you can elaborate how that would occur and does that represent an acceleration of the schedule.
Thanks again for these updates.
on March 24, 2009 7:01 AM | Reply
Jon,
Last week you mentioned that the equiptment for the vibration test on plane #2 was brought into the factory.
When does that necessary preflight test begin? And, how long is the vibration test?
Thanks
on March 24, 2009 7:35 AM | Reply
Hey Jon-
First, to clarify, Jerry1t is not me...weird coincidence. Anyway, were there no spies out snapping photos this time around? I'd love to see this!
Best.
on March 24, 2009 7:36 AM | Reply
Hey Jon-
First, to clarify, Jerry1t is not me...weird coincidence. Anyway, were there no spies out snapping photos this time around? I'd love to see this!
Best.
on March 24, 2009 12:18 PM | Reply
Remembering when: On 7-8-07 the Boeing craft rolled out to a world-wide audience and fan fare and with heady pronouncements that Z001 would be in the air within 120 days or by late October of 2007. Even though at the time it was just a shell. Now Boeing has arrived 20 months later with fully stuffed and prepared aircraft ready to test and fly in short order.
Where are the photos and a rally for this major milestone as it rolls towards its first flight line date?
on March 24, 2009 12:29 PM | Reply
When Dreamliner One goes to the flight line, I would imagine that we'll see a release by Boeing. Quite looking forward to that. There weren't any pics from Saturday, next opportunity may be Sunday.
As for ground vibration testing, all indications point to next month right now. Testing may take place in 40-24 not 40-26. Not 100% sure yet.
Can anyone shed some light?
Jon
on March 24, 2009 2:19 PM | Reply
Thanks for the update Jon, very fine work as ussual. So now the next thing to watch for is the arrival of the fuel truck so they can gas up ZA001. After they top off the tanks they can start the Hamilton Sundstrand APS 5000 APU and start the gauntlet of electrial tests that will no doubt take some time. Just one of the down sides of the 787 being an electric jet.
on March 25, 2009 12:22 PM | Reply
Jon,
Thanks for the updates. It is getting exciting and we are all looking foward to good and progressive news.
Plane ZA001 should be heading to the flightline shorttly. From above, it sounds like it has to be gassed up in order to run some of the systems. At what point do the engines get started? Is that part of the factory gauntlet or does that follow.
Some clarification would be helpful as we are all excited by what is starting to happen and would like to follow it "pitch by pitch"!
II good to have you reporting on these matters. The general press is not on top of this at all.
on September 28, 2009 12:51 PM | Reply
Maybe now Boeing will re-think having parts made all over the globe. I would have thought world war two would have taught them that???? Anyway the unions will blocked any progress they make. Will the 787 fly......maybe?????