Boeing has launched the latest round of ecoDemonstrator testing using a 787-8 flight test aircraft loaded with 25 new technologies.
The aircraft, with serial number ZA004, completed first test flight on 17 November.
It carries new software developed under NASA’s airborne spacing for terminal arrival routes programme. The wings are layered with new icephobic coatings. The flight test instrumentation is connected wirelessly to save weight. Instrument landing systems are loaded with new “Type D” protocols for airports equipped with a ground-based augmentation system to smooth landings, especially in poor weather. The outer wing panels also are using new access doors made from composite material recycled from the 787 production system.
"The ecoDemonstrator is focused on technologies that can improve airlines' gate-to-gate efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise," says Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive Ray Conner.
The same 787-8 completed a previous round of flight tests as the ecoDemonstrator on an oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite exhaust nozzle. The results of those tests, which focused on reducing weight and noise, are still being evaluated, Boeing says.
Boeing plans to return ZA004 to the 787 flight test programme early next year. A 757 will then become the next ecoDemonstrator aircraft.
Boeing launched the ecoDemonstrator programme in 2011 using a 737-800 loaned from American Airlines.
It has tested a wide variety of new technologies, including the advanced technology winglet that will be introduced with the 737 Max.
The ecoDemonstrator also has evaluated new technology that has yet to enter a development programme, such as an adaptive trailing edge panel on a wing and a variable area fan nozzle for the engines.
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Source: Cirium Dashboard
