UPDATE 7:35 AM ET: Last night's Braxton Hicks engine "start" had all the ingredients of the real thing. Though the last step, engine ignition, is being held for early this morning in Everett. ZA001's engines were spun up for the first time with fuel flowing to the engine, several sources tell FlightBlogger. The test bore a strong resemblance to engine start, minus the tell-tale cloud of white smoke that would be seen when the storage oil is burnt off.
UPDATE 11:12 AM ET: A bit more clarity now on last night's test. The engine spins are referred to as a 'wet motor' test. Essentially, the engine is spin to make sure all the hardware is running smoothly while pumping fuel through the line ensuring that there are no leaks.
Several sources have indicated that the engine start test window opens in Everett beginning at 8:30 AM PT (11:30 AM ET).
UPDATE 11:12 AM ET: A bit more clarity now on last night's test. The engine spins are referred to as a 'wet motor' test. Essentially, the engine is spin to make sure all the hardware is running smoothly while pumping fuel through the line ensuring that there are no leaks.
Several sources have indicated that the engine start test window opens in Everett beginning at 8:30 AM PT (11:30 AM ET).
on May 20, 2009 11:53 PM | Reply
Hot diggity dog! Almost time to find the cigars.
on May 21, 2009 12:02 AM | Reply
Damn I wish I was in Everett right now. Lets get some pics and video people!!!!
on May 21, 2009 2:38 AM | Reply
IT'S ALIVE!!!!! IT'S ALIVE!!!!! Now when it's gonna fly and will 1st delivery be on time?
on May 21, 2009 3:05 AM | Reply
Dreamliner ZA001, going throttle up!
on May 21, 2009 3:20 AM | Reply
They didn't start. They just spun the engines then added fuel only. No ignition. They will run tomorrow morning.
on May 21, 2009 3:38 AM | Reply
I drove by the flight line this afternoon at 5:30 PM, and they were making preparations for engine start. Will try and stop by today to check out the activities. Thanks for the update
on May 21, 2009 10:01 AM | Reply
I am really curious to know if the engine spins were done off APU power, from a ground cart, or - exposing my ignorannce as a lay-person here - do aircraft internal batteries have the capacity yet to start engines? (probably not, hence the continuing need for APUs, right?).
To me, if the engine spins were driven off electrical power from the APU, it would serve as a re-affirmation to the world of how complete and ready-to-go ZA001 is.
Whichever the case, way-to-go, Boeing! I am cheering for you silently on the sidelines here in Charlotte NC because I can't afford to take the time off to see the events at Everett.
- Rene Rosales
on May 21, 2009 11:15 AM | Reply
Light the damn thing already!
And... Braxton Hicks: nice, something a dad would know (congratulations???)