Tue, Mar 16, 2010
Only Test Aircraft To Include Some Elements Of Passenger
Interior
Boeing has added the fourth 787 Dreamliner to its flight-test
fleet with the completion of the first flight of ZA003. The
airplane departed Paine Field (KPAE) in Everett, WA, at 1055
PDT Sunday, and landed at 1401 at Boeing Field (KBFI) in
Seattle.
Captains Ray Craig and Mike Bryan piloted the airplane on its
three-hour-and-six-minute flight. ZA003 is the final 787 with
Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to enter the flight-test
program.
"We've done a significant amount of ground testing on the new
systems on ZA003 in preparation for first flight. Engineering,
manufacturing and flight operations have really pulled together as
a team to enable first flight," said Craig. "It has been very
rewarding to watch the Boeing team pull together in support of this
milestone."
ZA003 is the only 787 in the flight
test fleet that will include elements of the passenger interior
features including cabin and crew support systems. The 787 is
introducing new passenger amenities and provisions for a more
comfortable flying experience. Among the new features are improved
lighting, bigger stowage bins, larger windows with electrochromatic
shades and redesigned lavatories with easier access.
In addition to demonstrating that the interior meets
certification requirements, ZA003 will be used to conduct tests on
systems, noise performance, flight-deck operations, avionics,
electromagnetic effects, high-intensity radio frequency response
and extended operations (ETOPS).
"The Boeing team is doing great work. We've established a good
pace of accomplishment on the program," said Scott Fancher, vice
president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "The priorities are clear and the entire team is
focused."
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]