With a good portion of final assembly completed, work now focuses on preparing WA001, the first 777-200, for its first flight. The Pratt & Whitney 4000 development features prominently in this episode and really takes you inside the challenges of developing a new engine. The PW4000 was actually flown under the wing of RA001, the first 747. Keep an eye out for the frozen chicken test as well.
WA001 also gets its roll out celebration in this episode on April 9, 1994. Following the roll out final preparations were made for first flight, including the high speed taxi tests. Another interesting thing to notice is that the high-blow test takes place on WA001 itself, not the static test airframe like on the 787 program. This episode also marks the point where 777 progress loses a contemporary 787 comparison, but does provide a frame for what is ahead for the Dreamliner.
Episode III: A Plane Takes Shape
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.