Boeing readies 787 for first flight

[NM]

787 passes crucial "2C" static test

From Flightglobal:

EVERETT, Wash., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today completed the static test necessary to validate the side-of-body modification made to the 787 Dreamliner. The company expects a full analysis of the test results to be concluded in approximately 10 days. A successful test result is needed to clear the airplane for its planned first flight next month.

 

[NM]

787 first flight targets 14 December

From Flightblogger:

Boeing's 787 first flight window opens on 14 December, reports Flightglobal affiliate FlightBlogger.

The new date, reports FlightBlogger, accelerates the internal schedule for first flight by about eight days, reflecting the programme's rising confidence.

Previous reports had targeted 22 December for first flight.

 

[NM]

Spirit Aero restarts 787 barrel fabrication

From Flightglobal:

Aerostructures supplier Spirit AeroSystems has restarted composite barrel fabrication for Boeing's 787 programme.

Speaking at the Credit Suisse First Boston Aerospace & Defense conference in New York, CEO Jeff Turner said Spirit AeroSystems has restarted fabrication of composite forward fuselage barrels after an extended lull in production.

 

[Flying Fox]

Good news at last.

Let's get that bird into the sky!

 

[Slats7]

Boeing's 787 Dreamliner finally on the test runway | News.com.au

AFTER more than two years of delays, Boeing's 787 Dreamliner could make its first test flight as early as next week. But once the jet takes off from its factory in Everett, Washington, the company faces another high-stakes test: from the moment the Dreamliner is airborne through about the next 12 months, Boeing will race the clock to test the new aircraft in high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, desert heat and emergency scenarios.

 

[straitman]

787 Countdown to first flight (resumed) Part 2

[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]After a hectic weekend at Everett it seems as if all testing has so far gone to plan and that ZA001, the first 787, may soon be moving again under its own power. [/FONT]

 

[codash1099]

But not completely out of the woods yet. Boeing still has weight problems.

Boeing ups 787 weights, shrinks -9 wing

 

[moa999]

static test complete
Boeing completes 787 static test analysis, final gauntlet

flight window from 15-Dec
787 first flight window on 15 December

 

[oz_mark]

Some video's of the taxi tests: KPAE Paine Field: 787 Taxi Test

and http://kpae.blogspot.com/2009/12/paine-field-december-12.html (with a high speed taxi nose wheel leaves the ground!)