An earlier image of the 787 static test airframe. (Boeing)
Boeing announced on December 1 that it has completed static tests to validate the side-of-body modification to the 787.
During the test, the aircraft’s wing and trailing edges were subjected to their load limits, equivalent to approximately 2.5 times the force of gravity.
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“Today’s test was an important milestone for the program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We will confirm the test results after the completion of our detailed analysis,”
Boeing says that it will take approximately 10 days to conclude the analysis of the data. A successful test will clear the way for the 787 to move towards flight testing, with first flight due in late December.
The side of body join issue has delayed the first flight of the 787. Due to abnormal stress indications in the side of body join, Boeing has been forced to install new fittings at 34 stringer locations, with the static airframe and two flight testing aircraft now modified.
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