Boeing is confirming that they have completed installing
reinforcements within the 'side-of-body section' of two more 787
Dreamliners. Over the weekend, employees at Boeing's facility in
Everett, Wash., finished reinforcing the full-scale static test
airframe and the second Dreamliner designated for flight test.
Installations were completed Nov. 11 on the first flight-test
airplane.
The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer
locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the
fuselage.
"Our focus now is on completing the static test later this
month, which will validate the modification," said Scott Fancher,
vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
"Concurrently we are restoring the airplanes and completing the
functional tests required to fly by the end of the year."
The static test airframe is being refitted with strain gauges
and instrumentation required for testing. Access doors, systems,
seals and fasteners removed from airplane No. 2 to provide access
are being restored in preparation for continued testing on the
airplane. The first 787 also is being restored. Fancher said the
program is on track to fly the 787 by the end of the year.
"We are building momentum with each milestone we achieve,"
Fancher said. "This team is focused on its goals and bringing us
ever closer to first flight."
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