FlightBlogger Archive 2007-2012

Sixth and final flight test 787 begins final assembly

Written by

Jon Ostrower

in

ZA006-FAD_560.jpgWith the final flight test aircraft now in final assembly, the path is cleared for parts to begin arriving for pre-integration for the first production 787 (ANA). The first major parts for Dreamliner Seven are set to begin showing up in Everett later this week when the horizontal stabilizer is flown from Italy.

In addition, when the 787 line pulsed last week to make way for ZA006, the blue ground vibration testing rig was brought in to the factory. Ground vibration testing is a milestone that must be accomplished on Dreamliner Two before Dreamliner One can be cleared for first flight by the end of the second quarter. According to program sources, the testing is expected to begin early next week. 

Final Boeing 787 Dreamliner for Flight Test Enters Final Assembly
EVERETT, Wash., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The sixth and final Boeing (NYSE: BA) 787 Dreamliner designated for flight test is now undergoing final assembly in Everett, Wash. The airplane, designated ZA006, will be powered with General Electric GEnx engines.

Progress continues on the fleet. The first flight test airplane, ZA001, is getting its paint touched up this week before finishing factory testing. Power was brought onto the second airplane, ZA002, in late February and build verification tests are progressing well. Production work continues on ZA003, ZA004 and ZA005. In all, assemblies for 31 Dreamliners are currently in production throughout the supply chain. 

The 787 Dreamliner has orders for 878 airplanes from 57 customers.

Photo Credit Boeing (note the already painted doors on ZA006.)

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.

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