GUY NORRIS / LOS ANGELES
Manufacturer hopes for US and European certification in March, having completed ETOPS trials in December
Boeing is close to completing the third 777-300ER that will be used to complete the certification programme. The aircraft will be powered by engines removed from the first test aircraft, WD501, which finished extended twin operations (ETOPS) tests on 13 December. Total 777-300ER flight test hours amount to 1,292h on 420 flights.
The ETOPS phase was completed by the two initial -300ERs over 38 flights and 267 ETOPS-qualifying flight hours. It also included eight 330min-plus engine-out segments, the longest of which extended to 6h 29min single-engined time. Boeing adds that the last two single-engine segments were completed on the same engine, running at maximum continuous thrust for the entire time. One single-engine segment included a cabin decompression test.
The aircraft also operated several flights into remote ETOPS diversion airfields. Twenty-three take-offs were undertaken at full thrust rating, and nine sectors were flown with reduced electrical systems. Ten flights were operated with bleed systems inoperative and 10 in high humidity conditions.
The longest single ETOPS flight was conducted on 4 November on a 18h 25min non-stop flight between Sydney and Recife, Brazil. After leaving Sydney at a take-off weight of 320,980kg (707,000lb), the aircraft crossed New Zealand and skirted Antarctica, reaching a southerly latitude of 65° before overflying the tip of South America after 10h 20min flying time. Engine generators were then selected off for the final leg to Recife during which back-up generators only were operating. The aircraft landed at Recife having crossed 10 time zones and the international date line.
The General Electric GE90-115B engines from WD501 are being fitted to the third test aircraft, which is the first production 777-300ER. Boeing says the used engines will power the aircraft until test flights are completed around early March, when new engines will be fitted before delivery. After a lay-up and fitting of replacement engines, WD501 will undergo a final series of natural icing tests, probably in the Washington state area, around early January. The third test aircraft is to start flying within the next two weeks, and will be used to focus on interior tests for smoke detection and evacuation, environmental control system, full interior, noise and function and reliability tests.
Boeing expects certification for the -300ER in March, with deliveries to launch operator Air France beginning in April.
Source: Flight International
