flight test
Video: Airbus A320 Sharklet wing modifications added ready for flight test
Airbus have finished the Sharklet modifications to the wings of an Airbus A320 aircraft, the next stage will be the first flight test that will happen in very near future. Read more
Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight test program moves to Florida
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Boeing expanded type inspection authorization (TIA) today, clearing the way for its personnel to fully participate in future test flights and for the collection of required flight-test data. Initial TIA was granted 11th February, which supported the collection of flutter certification data.
The expanded TIA marks the FAA’s confirmation that the airplane and team are ready to collect additional certification data. Boeing achieved the expansion by demonstrating the readiness of the airplane throughout a variety of speeds, altitudes and configurations.
Boeing Dreamliner 787 ZA003 In Florida for testing
“This TIA expansion is another significant step toward delivering airplanes to our customers. We remain on track to deliver the first airplane to ANA this year,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Commercial Airplanes.
In addition to receiving expanded TIA, Boeing finalized the aerodynamic configuration of the 787.
“We have completed sufficient testing to decide that no additional changes to the external lines or shape of the airplane are required,” said Fancher. “Having an airplane match its expected performance with so few changes is rare and speaks to the maturity of the design.”
The 787 flight-test fleet logged its 500th hour of flying April 16. On Sunday, ZA003, the flight-test airplane outfitted with interior elements, landed in Florida, where it will go through extreme weather testing at McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base.
Boeing released two videos highlighting flutter and ground effects testing. These videos feature commentary by the pilots and the chief project engineer and are available on www.boeing.com and www.newairplane.com.
Boeing completes 747-8 Freighter taxi tests - should fly tomorrow
Boeing completed taxi tests on the first 747-8 Freighter today. With Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein at the controls, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 90 knots (103.5 mph, 166.6 kph).
“The airplane performed well,” said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice president and general manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly.”
This was the last functional test planned before first flight. The first flight of the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled for Monday, 8th February.
To follow the first test flight live just click here. The fun starts from 10am (local time).
