Guy Norris/SEATTLE
Boeing is preparing for a hectic, seven-month test effort for the stretched 767-400ER, which was rolled out from the company's Everett site in Washington on 26 August.
The first aircraft, due to make its maiden flight in early October, will fly most of the 850h flight test programme. Ship one will be dedicated to testing flutter, stability and control, and the revised flight controls of the -400ER, which is 6.4m (21ft) longer than the -300.
Part of the testing will focus on the aerodynamic effects of the new raked wingtip design, which extends overall span by 4.3m.
The second 767-400ER, due to join the programme in November, will test new or upgraded systems, including the larger auxiliary power unit, higher throughput air conditioning system and more powerful hydraulic system. The aircraft will also be used to assess the overall performance of the -400ER during the 350h it is scheduled to fly.
The third airframe joins in December and will fly 100h to test the production configuration.
First deliveries to launch customer Delta Air Lines will begin next May. Total orders stand at 54 from Delta, Continental, General Electric Capital Aviation Services and International Lease Finance.
Boeing is optimistic of attracting new sales from other US carriers such as American Airlines, as well as from Asian and European airlines. Lufthansa, which does not operate any versions of the 767, has expressed interest in potential derivatives of the -400ER under study at Boeing.
The roll-out celebrations were overshadowed by the looming threat of a strike by 48,000 Boeing workers. Negotiations between Boeing management and members of the machinists' union were deadlocked over health, welfare and other issues as Flight International closed for press.
Source: Flight International
