RSS Feeds
Boeing's Last Flight-Test 787 Dreamliner Undergoes Final Assembly
Elizabeth Taurasi, Executive Editor -- Design News, March 26, 2009
Despite various delays due to everything from a machinists strike to fastener glitches, Boeing announced last week its final 787 Dreamliner designated for flight test is now undergoing final assembly.
Boeing announced last week that progress is continuing on its fleet of 787 Dreamliners. The ZA001 - the first flight test Dreamliner - is having its paint touched up before finishing factory testing. Power was brought onto the second airplane, the ZA002, in late February. The ZA002 is now undergoing build verification tests. Production work continues on the ZA003, ZA004 and ZA005.
Late last year, fastener problems plagued the project. A fastener shortage was a major problem in the early production stages of the airplane. Later Boeing reported installation problems with the fasteners - so much so they removed and replaced every fastener pin to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. The pin was, at times, the incorrect length.
A strike by the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers last September, along with supply chain delays, forced Boeing to adjust its production and delivery schedule. The strike halted production in the company's factories for nearly two months. At the time, Boeing officials said they would not intend to assemble airplanes during the strike.
The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 878 airplanes for 57 customers.
Sponsored Content
Technology Marketplace
