Three Days?

Chris Stetkiewicz, quite possibly the best heavy-aviation writer not writing for ANN, has latched onto what may be the key to Boeing's future success with its new 7E7 design: it's the ultimate "quick-build" kit.

Boeing isn't worried about meeting any "51% rule," so it has taken its subcontracting experience to the next level: outsourced components will be virtually "snap-together" on the new machine.

Just as Levittown homes popped up in hours sixty years ago, the prefabrication level in Boeing's new ordered assemblies will allow "plug and play" to cover even such things as cockpits, wings, and empennage.

Stetkiewicz noted, "Using a combination of new technology, materials and production processes and unprecedented amounts of sub-contracting, Boeing would slash final assembly times by between 75 percent and 90 percent, said Mike Bair, senior vice president on Boeing's 7E7 project. 'We're trying to get as much of the work down before final assembly so we bring the airplane together in relatively complete pieces and put it together in relatively short time,' Bair told a gathering of business executives in Everett, Washington..."

Mr. Bair went on to say that, while normal final-assembly times are typically over three weeks, three days is within reach, using new techniques and highly-qualified vendors. The new machine is also set to employ extensive composite structures, including the fuselage. That alone is supposed to make possible a cabin altitude of typically 6000 feet, as opposed to the industry-standard 8500, leading to greater passenger comfort. The new plane is full of such innovations, for safety, comfort, and efficiency.

Boeing VP Bair also said a 7E7 could probably be built by a workforce of about 1000 people, a fraction of today's labor requirement.

With labor costs' always rising, with increased governmental demands of employers, with the other advantages of foreign-sourced and machine-made assemblies, the reduction in final assembly time looks like the best option, for Boeing's future.

FMI: www.boeing.com