It's been a busy week for the 787 program in Everett, no different really from the 103 busy weeks that preceded it, and no different from the busy weeks that will follow.
Starting this weekend, ZA002 will undergo ground vibration testing inside the 787 assembly line in Building 40-26. The testing will validate the aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic characteristics of the Dreamliner and examine flutter stability of the wing ahead of the fight test campaign.
ZA002 has had all the electrostatic discharge equipment removed and the aircraft is now sitting on shaker actuators, according to a program source. Dominic Gates of the Seattle Times also discusses the electrostatic tests that were just completed on ZA002 in an article published today.
Aviation Week also reports that ZA001 is running through additional checks of the flight control systems:
This weekend also marks two years since the LCF touched down and unloaded the first Alenia-built horizontal stabilizer for ZA001 on April 25, 2007.
If all goes as planned, Dreamliner One should roll out to the flight line on Sunday.
Starting this weekend, ZA002 will undergo ground vibration testing inside the 787 assembly line in Building 40-26. The testing will validate the aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic characteristics of the Dreamliner and examine flutter stability of the wing ahead of the fight test campaign.
ZA002 has had all the electrostatic discharge equipment removed and the aircraft is now sitting on shaker actuators, according to a program source. Dominic Gates of the Seattle Times also discusses the electrostatic tests that were just completed on ZA002 in an article published today.
Aviation Week also reports that ZA001 is running through additional checks of the flight control systems:
This work, which is also known by some engineers as flight controls operating tests, is a run-through of all the linkages (mechanical and electric) connecting the flight deck with the ailerons, flaperons, rudder, elevators and high-lift devices.At the conclusion of these tests, Dreamliner One will again be lifted off its landing gear for final swing tests, also planned for the coming days.
This weekend also marks two years since the LCF touched down and unloaded the first Alenia-built horizontal stabilizer for ZA001 on April 25, 2007.
If all goes as planned, Dreamliner One should roll out to the flight line on Sunday.
ALSO SEE: Here to there: 787 pre-first flight milestones explained
on April 24, 2009 10:12 AM | Reply
Jon,
While all eyes are focused on ZA001 and its rollout, could you shift some vision to ZA002 and where it sits.
How long after ZA001 leaves for the flight line will ZA002 follow .
What stage of testing is ZA002 at and does the testing methodology change once the systems are cleared on ZA001. That is, it is similar testing or much less so because of prior clearance from the first plane.
on April 24, 2009 2:38 PM | Reply
Are you not posting today because you are enjoying the good Northern Virginia weather???
Can't wait to see ZA001 on the flight line. Great articles!
on April 24, 2009 5:55 PM | Reply
"As the deadline approaches for its maiden test flight, Boeing Co.’s first 787 Dreamliner sits idly in a bunker tucked away in the eastern corner of the company’s gargantuan factory in the Seattle suburb of Everett, Washington. Although the sleek plane, with its distinctive swept-back wings elegantly curved like a gliding predator’s, is unfinished and nearly two years behind schedule, the manufacturing pace is unhurried, the factory floor relatively quiet. As they have for much of the time since the plane was announced in 2003, Boeing workers are standing by, waiting for parts to arrive from suppliers around the world." That paragraph is from Portfolio.com's article "Bumpy Ride"by Jeffery Rothfeder. How in the world is Boeing planning on delivering the flatliner on time if the 787 mechanics are STILL waiting for parts?! The vendors still don't have their act together.....and neither does Boeing.