Day one of engine testing saw the twin Trent 1000 engines run as high as 80%, with propulsion testing wrapping up around 10:30 PM PT yesterday evening, according to program sources. In addition, the aircraft underwent further testing of the flight control hydraulics and very-high frequency and high frequency radio checks. Higher power setting runs are on the docket for testing today.
As the program looks ahead to the coming days, Boeing has restructured the road to 787 first flight with significant changes in the intermediate and final gauntlet tests.
Scott Fancher, general manager and vice president of the 787 program, said yesterday at Boeing's annual investor conference:
"In about two weeks, we'll run into what we refer to as the intermediate gauntlet test, similar to the factory gauntlet tests, but much, much more robust. Here we will operate the aircraft on engines seven days, 24/7 with aircrew on the flight deck simulating ground and flight environments, not just nominal flight profiles but a wide range of off-nominals as well, demonstrating the full robustness and gaining confidence in the robustness of the aircraft. From there, we'll go into preflight checks, taxi tests, then into first flight."Fancher added:
"I also want to talk about the seven day intermediate gauntlet test, but to give you a sense for the maturity accelerating on the program originally that seven day gauntlet test was scheduled for not long before first flight. We've actually pulled that to the left, because quite frankly the systems are mature and ready to take it earlier from where we originally planned."Boeing originally planned an eight-day final gauntlet ahead of preflight checks, but now says:
"Some of the final gauntlet testing has been moved into intermediate gauntlet tests to help retire risk earlier by getting through those test sequences."The company declined to specify the revised duration of the final gauntlet, saying only that "it will be much shorter."
ALSO SEE: Here to there: 787 pre-first flight milestones explained
on May 22, 2009 5:08 PM | Reply
Should not compare the A380 engine start to flight (19 day sequence since B-787) is a leading edge all electric design. The A380 uses bleed air by-pass an older standard. However, we don't know what the men and women are doing behind the curtain. I see a surprise date looming second week of June. My prediction is June 12,2009 for first flight. Anyways, I'll have my event "cigar" ready for implementation and lighting when she lands for the first time.
on May 22, 2009 6:10 PM | Reply
Jon,
It sure sounds like things are moving along well and possibly with more assurance than anticipated.
By the outline you provided, moving some of the final gauntlet testing into the intermediate gauntlet phase, would indicate that some of the "hot run" would be done during the earlier gauntlet "defined" period.
In essence, I wonder whether the intermediate and final gauntlet tests can be seen as one continuous gauntlet, moving along from phase to phase to completion. Are we only talking definition for understanding's sake or are there specific linear step by step tests that have to be followed. Boeing has now said that it is simply changing and incorporating a different set of steps. What is most important is that the tests are completed satisfactorily and lead to the next pre flight stage.
It also sounds that by incorporating or moving some tests into the earlier stage, some time savings may occur.
One other thought is that Boeing said it would only announce "milestones" so by giving each stage a name, they can say that a stage was completed and they have moved to another stage.Lastly, by removing some risk from the final stage, once they are at that stage, it will appear to be closer to flight than otherwise.
All in all, there must be very clear technical levels and accomplishments met, regardless of what you call them, before this plane takes to the sky. But we are all anxious for its successful flight and have to thank you for laying out the directional map
on May 22, 2009 8:46 PM | Reply
Given the day's reduction in gauntlet time, It's now feasible that the 50 hour minimum will allow a flyby at Paris. A successful flyby & landing at Paris will mean (at a buck a share) billions for the big B. But, going Amelia would cost even more billions.
And because Boeing has this quaint idea that the pilot should manage the aircraft, it is unlikely that we'll see a A320-style forest landing.
Does Boeing have the guts!. I wanna see it!.
Close-run in any case.
on May 22, 2009 8:47 PM | Reply
Accelerating the test is all well and good. But I sure hope Boeing remembers the lessons learned from the F-14. When one of the mechanics spotted hydraulic fluid on the ground and didn't think to check why it was there? Instead the ground crew just topped up the hydraulic fluid and the aircraft went out for its second flight test. A couple minutes in to the flight test it lost all hydraulics. The test pilots were able to wrestle the airplane to with in a mile and a half of runway but were force to eject when the aircraft became uncontrollable. You Tube has a nice two minute clip of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubOlvl41j9E
on May 22, 2009 9:31 PM | Reply
Jon,
From this can we gather that first flight is still at least 3 weeks away?? The area around the 19th June is looking more and more likely.
Not good for me...ill be away on honeymoon from the 20th. I doubt the Mrs will be too impressed with late night internet time to try and catch the first flight....
on May 23, 2009 8:34 AM | Reply
Alloycowboy,
Well lets hope that the test team is more aware! You make it sound like the testing can be quite fragile which I hope is not the case here with all the pretesting and simulations. Of course there are challenges and unknowns ahead but so far things seem to be correllating and alot of effort, care, time and work has been put into this endeavor.
I do not know if you are just showing how circumstances can override all this effort or just want to sober us all up to the degree of risk and difficulty inherent to the process.
Lets hope that no degree of overconfidence has crept into the rigorous standards required but steady scrutiny and care so that it will be a success and not the unnecessary failure that you presented.
on May 23, 2009 9:29 AM | Reply
Re: Dan
Is it too late to beg her to honeymoon in the Seattle/Everett area? haha...
Back on topic, this is very exciting news and a great step forward for the program. And regarding Alloycowboy's comment, I am 100% certain that none of the Boeing engineers and mechanics involved in the program would risk jeopardizing it by ignoring even the slightest problem. Boeing have shown us thus far that they are more than willing to delay the program if any problems crop up, rather than risking the lives of the people involved or the program itself.
-Rick
on May 23, 2009 10:59 AM | Reply
Jon,
if they plan on running the engines for 24/7, won't they have to refuel the plane several times. How do they work that ? Will they connect fuel lines ?
on May 23, 2009 4:09 PM | Reply
Jerry1t,
When a new prototype aircraft hits the flight line there is always pressure by upper management to get the aircraft flying. If you look back over the history of aircraft flight testing a lot aircraft incidents happened because people were in to much of a hurry to get the aircraft flying and failed to wring out the aircraft systems properly. This temptation is very large and very real. Which is why this quote from Wilbur Wright exists.
“Do not let yourself be forced into doing anything before you are ready.”
— Wilbur Wright
on May 23, 2009 5:05 PM | Reply
Alloycowboy,
That is a very intelligent and appropriate response with probably alot of truth to it.
Of course, the question is whether Boeing is falling into that corporate pressure trap or whether their testing systems are such as to prevent that from happening. I would assume that if the testing criteria are valid and incontrovertible, then that carelessness is not allowed to happen and standards will hold back acceleration of testing.
Neither of us know that but your warning is a fair point.
Since you seem familiar with this process, do you actually know this could happen at BA ...or is happening. I remind you that there has been alot of clamoring for progress but Boeing said it had specific milestones and they had to be met. A friend of mine in the business tells me that Boeing's testing department is one of the best in the world.
In addition, they have had along time to test and develop the software...this plane has had so many delays that there has been alot of opportunity to mature the systems while waiting.
I am not dismissing your point...do you think the things I say are valid or do you still remain persuaded or convinced that BA could have problems like the F 14 because they rushed are are inattentive.
Thanks for your aditional thoughts on this. Ultimeately, only time will prove one of us correct. I certainly hope it is not you!
on May 23, 2009 11:02 PM | Reply
Jon,
My best guess is that 787's first flight will happen on Sunday June 21, 2009.
Five of seven Boeing commercial jets' first flights happened on weekend.
707 Thursday 7/15/1954,
727 Saturday 2/9/1963,
737 Sunday 4/9/1967,
747 Sunday 2/9/1969,
757 Friday 2/19/1982,
767 Saturday 9/26/1981,
777 Sunday 6/12/1994.
I guess 6/13-14 is too early. 6/27-28 is too close to the end of the second quarter and it makes Boeing top managers nervous. Hence the weekend of June 20 - 21 is most likely date IMHO.
on May 26, 2009 1:32 AM | Reply
Where is Jon? Whats happening?
on May 26, 2009 4:12 AM | Reply
Reading between the lines of Flightblogger's report, it sounds to me like Boeing is not so much cutting corners but certainly rounding them off quite a bit. Lets see how much the pilots allow the Boeing brass to pressure them.
Lets face it, even though Boeing has, in their third(?) or fourth(?) revised schedule, stated a first flight in the second quarter of 2009, Mr. McNerney himself has publicly stated he “hoped” for an April first flight. To me that is as good as forecasting an April first flight and hence, they are now a month late, and counting, on that as well.
Anybody who has been in the commercial aerospace business for any time knows that this first flight prediction based on a “quarterly” time frame is just so much smoke to hide the fact that they still do not have near as much control as they seem to have many believing (or is it hoping?).
How come everyone is so soft on this company?
I do not understand this.
on May 26, 2009 6:39 AM | Reply
Once again the truth seems to be divided between the optimists and the pesimists.
It seems that the statements made by Boeing last week were confident and reassuring but John (above) throws water on this belief and thinks it is all smoke and mirrors that reflect pressure to make up for lateness.
It does not appear that people have been soft on this company. Just go up on Yahoo web page or some other comments and see the frustration and disappointment. I hope John is wrong and Boeing is trying to be forthrigjht and transparent to make up for the mistakes of the past.
Flightblogger reported work over the Memorial Day Holiday with stated accomplishment. We will all know the truth in the next 35 days