Boeing today announced completing a one-week sequence of power-on tests for the first “more-electric” 787 airliner.
Completing electrical systems testing moves the programme one step closer to first flight scheduled in the fourth quarter this year, which is more than one year later than originally planned.
“There is plenty of work to be done between now and first flight, but with every step forward we grow more and more confident,” says Pat Shanahan, Boeing VP and general manager, in a statement.
©Boeing
Boeing’s schedule for power-on has been delayed twice, most recently moving from late March to late June. The programme is working to maintain the current schedule after supply chain breakdowns and a centre wing box redesign prompted an at least 15-month schedule delay for first delivery.
Boeing began power-on testing last week by plugging an external power cart into the onboard systems one at a time, starting with flight deck displays.
The power-on milestone is even more critical for the 787. Boeing replaced pneumatic systems powered by engine bleed-air with electrically powered compressors and pumps for the next-generation widebody.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
