Boeing completes B787 static test, analysis to be completed in 10 days

Boeing completed the static test necessary to validate the side-of-body modification made to the B787 on 30-Nov-2009. The company expects a full analysis of the test results to be concluded in approximately 10 days. A successful test result is needed to clear the aircraft for its planned first flight in Dec-2009. The modification entails installing new fittings at 34 stringer locations within the joint where the wing is attached to the fuselage. The modifications were completed on the first two flight-test aircraft and the full-scale static test aircraft earlier this month. [more]