Day one of engine testing saw the twin Trent 1000 engines run as high as 80%, with propulsion testing wrapping up around 10:30 PM PT yesterday evening, according to program sources.
In addition, the aircraft underwent further testing of the flight control hydraulics and very-high frequency and high frequency radio checks. Higher power setting runs are on the docket for testing today.
As the program looks ahead to the coming days, Boeing has restructured the road to 787 first flight with significant changes in the intermediate and final gauntlet tests.
Scott Fancher, general manager and vice president of the 787 program, said yesterday at Boeing’s annual investor conference:
“In about two weeks, we’ll run into what we refer to as the intermediate gauntlet test, similar to the factory gauntlet tests, but much, much more robust. Here we will operate the aircraft on engines seven days, 24/7 with aircrew on the flight deck simulating ground and flight environments, not just nominal flight profiles but a wide range of off-nominals as well, demonstrating the full robustness and gaining confidence in the robustness of the aircraft. From there, we’ll go into preflight checks, taxi tests, then into first flight.”
Fancher added:
“I also want to talk about the seven day intermediate gauntlet test, but to give you a sense for the maturity accelerating on the program originally that seven day gauntlet test was scheduled for not long before first flight. We’ve actually pulled that to the left, because quite frankly the systems are mature and ready to take it earlier from where we originally planned.”
Boeing originally planned an eight-day final gauntlet ahead of preflight checks, but now says:
“Some of the final gauntlet testing has
been moved into intermediate gauntlet tests to help retire risk earlier by
getting through those test sequences.”
The company declined to specify the revised duration of the final gauntlet, saying only that “it will be much shorter.”
ALSO SEE: Here to there: 787 pre-first flight milestones explained
This post was originally published to the internet between 2007 and 2012. Links, images, and embedded media from that era may no longer function as intended.
This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.