Boeing resumes B787 testing

Boeing stated (23-Dec-2010) it would resume flight test activities on the B787 on 23-Dec-2010. The company has installed an interim version of updated power distribution system software and conducted a "rigorous" set of reviews to confirm the flight readiness of ZA004, the first of the six flight test aircraft that will return to flight. Boeing and Hamilton Sundstrand completed testing of the interim software updates earlier this week. Verification of the system included laboratory testing of stand-alone components, integration testing with other systems, flight simulator testing and ground-based testing on a flight test aircraft. The resumed testing will include an intentional deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). Boeing added that in the past several weeks, it had continued ground testing as part of the certification programme. Flight testing of the B787 was suspended last month following an in-flight electrical incident on a test flight in Texas. Boeing will determine a new delivery schedule for the aircraft in Jan-2011 following the almost two-month delay in the flight test programme. [more]

Boeing: "Initially, we will resume a series of Boeing tests that remain to be completed in the flight test programme. That testing will be followed later by a resumption of certification testing. As we return to flight test and determine the pace of that activity, we remain focused on developing a new programme schedule. We expect to complete our assessment of the programme schedule in January," Scott Fancher, VP and GM of the B787 programme. Source: Company Statement, 23-Dec-2010.