Mon, Jun 12, 2006
Boeing Says Isolated Incident Won't Affect Schedule
We suspect structural engineers on Boeing's 787 program are
working overtime on this one, after a required test for FAA
certification was called off due to a possible defect in the
aircraft's composite skin.
Business Week reports a 33-foot prototype section of the 787s
fuselage -- which was to be used as part of an FAA test to certify
the aircraft's manufacturing process -- displayed bubbles in the
composite structure.
Boeing spokeswoman Yvonne Leach said the bubbles were likely
caused by a leak in a pressing tool used to form the aircraft's
fuselage, which allowed gases to seep into the composite
material.
Over time, the bubbles could degrade and weaken the composites,
which are used extensively in the 787's structure.
Despite the glitch, however, Boeing's expected 2008
certification for the Dreamliner is not likely to be affected.
"We know what happened," Mike Bair, vice president and general
manager of the 787 program, told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
"We learned some things as a result, which is part of what this
whole process is about. We know what we have to do to support our
certification plan."
Bair also noted the component that showed evidence of bubbling
-- a central barrel section -- was one of nine that make up the
787's fuselage. Those eight other sections (including the complex
nose and tail sections) showed no significant problems.
To make up time lost in the delay, Bair said the company will
produce two identical components and test them concurrently.
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]