Sun, May 13, 2007
Components Dreamlifter-ed In For Assembly
Aero-News has learned three large composite fuselage sections
arrived in Everett, WA Friday for the upcoming Boeing 787
Dreamliner.
The all-composite forward section -- known as section 41, and
shown above wrapped in white -- is manufactured by Spirit
AeroSystems at its facility in Wichita, KS. The complex structure
is 21 feet in diameter and 42 feet long. Its landing gear is
installed.
Sections 47 and 48, wrapped in black, are the two aft composite
sections of fuselage for the Dreamliner. As Aero-News reported earlier this
week, they were manufactured and joined by Vought
Aircraft Industries at its facility in Charleston, SC. Section 47
is 23 feet long and 19 feet in diameter while section 48 measures
15 feet long and 14 feet in diameter.
The sections were delivered to Boeing early Friday morning via
the Dreamlifter, a specially modified 747-400 used to transport 787
major assemblies. The aircraft arrived at 6:39 am local time. The
major assemblies were immediately unloaded and delivered to the 787
final assembly factory.
"Today's delivery represents more than 40 percent of the 787's
fuselage structure," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of
Airplane Definition and Production. "We now have all the major
structure for the rear of the airplane, and its distinctive nose.
The Dreamliner is beginning to take shape."
These are the second and third pieces of major structure
delivered by the Dreamlifter in recent weeks. The horizontal
stabilizer arrived on April 25.
The 787 Dreamliner is the fastest-selling airplane in aviation
history, with firm orders for 567 airplanes from 44 airlines.
Boeing is shooting for an official rollout of the first 787
prototype on July 8, 2007.
More News
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"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: JAARS, Inc. For decades now, we’ve landed planes on narrow rivers and towering mountains. We’ve outfitted boats and vehicles to reach villages that rarely se>[...]
"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>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.20.24): Light Gun
See All