Boeing is working with Air New Zealand Engineering Services (ANZES) on composite-material structural repair methods for the new 7E7 twinjet.
The arrangement coincides with AirNew Zealand's (ANZ) deal to be a 7E7 launch customer with orders for two aircraft, and follows the recent signing of an agreement for ANZES to become an official engineering consultant to Boeing.
ANZES is undertaking a number of assessments to help Boeing develop a composite structural repairs manual (SRM) for the 7E7. As planned, 50% of the 7E7's structure will be made from composites.
"This project for Boeing provides an opportunity for us to look at streamlining certain repair processes and assisting in the development of methodology for the maintenance of composite materials," says ANZES general manager Trevor Hughes.
The agreement specifies an ANZES desktop assessment of Boeing-provided new repair concepts to substantiate or modify the new methodology. Other requirements include:
n Providing data to enable a cost-benefit analysis of techniques to repair damaged structures - to be a part of the SRM - while ensuring regulatory requirements are met. This will include documentation of resource efficiencies and the identification of aircraft parts more prone to damage;
Evaluation of specific repairs to Boeing-provided test panels and to aircraft operating with ANZ.
Individual tasks will be completed according to schedules ranging from one to 11 months.
PETER CLARK / AUCKLAND
Source: Flight International
