Horizontal Stab 'Dreamliftered' From Italy

Representatives with Boeing tell ANN that final assembly for the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is one step closer, with the April 24 arrival in Everett, WA of the first aircraft's horizontal stabilizer.

Manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica at its facility in Foggia, Italy, the horizontal stabilizer is transported in five pieces -- the left and right stabilizer, two elevators and a center.

The shipment configuration measures nine feet wide, 13 feet high and is 42 feet long. It was delivered to Boeing late Tuesday night via the Dreamlifter, a specially modified 747-400 used to transport 787 major assemblies.

The horizontal stabilizer was loaded into position in the 787 final assembly bay Wednesday morning. The completed assembly has a wing span of approximately 62 feet, and measures 32 feet fore/aft.

"In the coming weeks we will receive other major assemblies for the first Dreamliner," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Definition and Production. "This is a very exciting time for the program."

Boeing currently has firm orders for 544 airplanes from 44 airlines. Rollout of the first 787 is planned for July 8 of this year, with first flight following about two months later.

FMI: www.boeing.com