Boeing Achieves Power On for New 747-8 Intercontinental
Boeing has completed the power on sequence for the new 747-8
Intercontinental... a milestone that enables the program to begin
functional tests on the airplane. "This is a critical step in the
assembly process for the new 747-8 Intercontinental," said
Elizabeth Lund, 747 deputy program manager, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "The airplane's systems are now live. This milestone is
a reflection of the focus and hard work of our engineers, mechanics
and suppliers."
Power on is a complex series of tasks that methodically energize
and activate the airplane's systems. In this critical stage of the
assembly process, the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
are brought on line. Mechanics connected the 747-8 to an external
power cart to energize the flight-deck display and maintenance
systems. The electricity coursing through the airplane's 133 miles
of wire will be as high as 105 kilovoltampere (kVa).
The program also activated the airplane's hydraulic and
pneumatic systems. Pressurized to 3,000 pounds per square inch
(psi), the hydraulics power the flight control surfaces, landing
gear, brakes and steering systems. The 160 psi applied to the
pneumatic system enables the airplane to operate the environmental
control systems and the leading-edge flaps.
"We are very methodical in ensuring the integrity of the
airplane's systems," said Todd Zarfos, vice president of 747
engineering, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This accomplishment is a
key milestone in validating the design, installation and
functionality of the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic
systems."
The program is expected to complete assembly of the 747-8
Intercontinental in the first quarter of 2011. The airplane is
scheduled to enter service in late 2011 following the flight test
program. The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and
the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005. Boeing has 109
orders for the 747-8 -- 33 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76
for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is
scheduled to deliver in late 2011.
The new 747-8 Intercontinental offers the lowest operating costs
and best economics of any large passenger airplane, while providing
enhanced environmental performance. The 747-8 provides new revenue
opportunities that allow airlines to maximize profits. Eighteen
feet longer than the 747-400, the 747-8 has 51 additional seats to
accommodate 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration,
and it also offers 26 percent more cargo volume.
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