Engine Power Surge Halts Testing, Crews to Replace Engine

Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner took another ding last week as one of its five test jets experienced an engine power surge on one of its Rolls-Royce Group Plc engines before take off.

It's too soon to tell whether or not the test schedule will be affected, Yvonne Leach, a company spokeswoman told Bloomberg News.

The September 10 event  occurred shortly before a flight in Roswell, New Mexico, and the crew wasn’t in danger and the surge was isolated to one engine, Leach explained.

According to Boeing's website, the Dreamliner test fleet has completed 596 flights spanning more than 1,850 hours and is the first jetliner to have more than 50 percent of the primary structure - including the fuselage and wing - will be made of composite materials.

Boeing selected General Electric and Rolls-Royce to develop engines for the new airplane. Boeing says it is expected that advances in engine technology will contribute as much as eight percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane, representing a nearly two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner/FILE PHOTO

However, the Dreamliner's first delivery has been plagued with complications and has been delayed six times in two years as Boeing deals with new materials, parts shortages, redesign work and a greater reliance on suppliers.

Aviation Week reports that tests on the replacement engine could happen as early as Friday and if satisfactory, the work being done at Roswell could resume the following day.

FMI: www.boeing.com