Boeing has finished installing reinforcements within the side-of-body fuselage on the first 787 Dreamliner, the company announced last Thursday, and expects to complete the installations on the static test airframe and the second flight-test airplane in the coming soon. The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing attaches to the fuselage.
“Completing this work is a significant step toward first flight,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “We continue to be pleased with the progress of the team and remain confident the first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will occur before the end of the year.” He said Boeing expects to test the modification on the full-scale static test airframe later this month. “As soon as we confirm the loads are being handled appropriately in the joint, we will complete preflight activities on the airplane,” Fancher added.
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