Wed, Nov 17, 2010
Refurbished Space For Testing, Systems Installation
Boeing cut the ribbon on a new P-8 aircraft production facility
near Boeing Field in Seattle late last week. The refurbished
factory gives Boeing and its P-8 teammates the space they need to
install mission systems and conduct tests on aircraft.
Boeing Photo
"The new factory is a great fit as Boeing transitions to
building production aircraft, in part because it allows us to
incorporate a leaner workflow," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice
president and P-8 program manager. "We’ll complete work on
the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the U.S. Navy and the P-8I aircraft
for the Indian navy in this facility, and plan to use this space
for future P-8 customers’ aircraft as well."
The U.S. Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare,
anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
aircraft to replace its existing P-3 fleet. Initial operational
capability is scheduled for 2013. The Indian Navy signed a contract
for eight P-8I aircraft in January 2009. Boeing will deliver the
first P-8I within 48 months of contract signing, and the remaining
seven by 2015.
File Photo
Boeing Commercial Airplanes employees assemble the P-8 aircraft
-- which are based on the company’s Next-Generation 737
commercial airplane -- in Renton, WA. Following final assembly, the
P-8s make a short flight to Boeing Field. Inside the new facility,
Defense, Space & Security employees will complete systems
installation and testing prior to customer delivery.
Boeing is using a proven in-line production process to
efficiently design and build the aircraft. All aircraft
modifications unique to the P-8 are made in sequence during
fabrication and assembly. Implementing established best practices
and common, commercial production-system tools enables the team to
reduce flow time and cost while ensuring quality. As part of the
U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract Boeing
received in 2004, the team is building and testing six flight-test
and two ground-test aircraft. The first three flight-test aircraft
are completing testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, MD.
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