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
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]