We can turn a plane on a dime

The 787 flew ~ at last ~ 2.5 years late.

The 787 was put together with a 20 page specification and takes 3 days to assemble parts from around the world rather than 40 days to assemble the plan manufactured on site.

We can turn a plane on a dime.  And if we can manufacture a plane in a global network of local modules, then we can make anything.

Is modularizing work a good thing ~ for us?

Harvard Business Review blog are awed and skeptical in equal measure.

• They are sure the world will copy the “lego” model.
• They are sure that Chinese firms will give Boeing a run for their money.

I too, am sure that Chinese firms will Boeing a run for their money.  They will give all of us a run for our money.  What interests me is who will win the race, and how this new race will change the future of work.

Key skills in the future of workn

Clearly there are key skills in this new form of work

• Clicking the “lego” parts together
• Negotiating the specification of the parts and adjusting for inevitable “drift” as parts are made
• The credibility to organize the network of suppliers, customers and capital.

It strikes me that clicking the parts together is not key.  Managing networks is the key.  A firm can be judged by the size of the global network that it can organize and manage profitably.

Welcome to 2010 and the race to networking skills and managing global networks of local manufacturing modules!

Check this link : Boeing 787 – maiden flight

SEATTLE — The crowd of workers and dignitaries lining Paine Field today held their breath as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner roared down the runway, lifted its nose into the air and then flew north with two chase planes trailing along the horizon and then into a bank of clouds.

Jet Charter

For the first time, a passenger jetliner with a body and wings made of super-hardened plastics took wing, a milestone that promises to usher in a new era in aviation.

The plane was scheduled to circle over the Puget Sound for four or so hours, as Michael Carriker and co-pilot Randall Neville test whether the 787’s state-of-the-art wing and electronics systems perform as designed. Rainy weather, however, became a factor, and Boeing executives said they planned to pare flight time to about three hours.

To Read The Rest Of This Article Click Here.

Aviation enthusiasts were abuzz Tuesday as the Boeing 787 lifted off on its first test flight. The new widebody jetliner — which must still undergo extensive testing before it enters into service — is designed to make travel a little less stressful for long-haul travelers by allowing them to bypass much-hated hubs like Los Angeles and London Heathrow, and by offering more non-stop overseas flights from secondary markets.

For example, let’s say you want to take a trip to Australia, arriving in Sydney and leaving from Melbourne. Getting a flight into Sydney is easy enough: Air Canada, United and Delta can all get you there from Winnipeg without having to switch airlines en route.

Getting back from Melbourne or any other Aussie city, however, is a little more tricky: only United can get you back to Winnipeg on a single reservation, and even that requires a stop in Sydney and connections in L.A. and Denver along the way.

Worse yet, United usually uses older Boeing 747s out of Melbourne, which are some of their most unpopular planes with frequent fliers.

The answer would be for an airline like Qantas, Air Canada or upstart V Australia to fly non-stop from Melbourne to Vancouver, and then allow you to carry on to Winnipeg.

Right now, that’s not viable. Larger jets like the Boeing 747 and 777 have too many seats to fill to make a Vancouver-Melbourne flight profitable, and smaller widebodies like the Boeing 767 and the Airbus A330 lack the fuel capacity to fly the entire trip non-stop.

That will change when the Boeing 787 — nicknamed “The Dreamliner” — enters service. The newest Boeing will allow airlines to offer their passengers more direct routings that bypass the big international hubs.

When the Boeing 787 enters service, there’s a good chance that Melbourne will be one of the cities that you’ll be able to fly to from Winnipeg with only one change of planes en route — a move that will not only take some of the stress out of air travel, but save vacationers, expatriates and business travelers a few hours of travel time as well.

Other possibilities include Singapore, Jakarta (a potential future Asian business capital), Cape Town and Bangalore (one of India’s largest cities outside of Mumbai and New Delhi).

How the 787 might change how Winnipeggers travel (* - Source: Expedia; ** - Estimate based on 500 mph ground speed westbound or 550 mph eastbound, plus 30 mins. taxi time and a 2-hour connection in Toronto/Vancouver)

Routes that might be added to/from Vancouver when the 787 enters service. (Image © Great Circle Mapper -- gc.kls2.com)

Routes that might be added to/from Toronto when the Boeing 787 enters service (Image © Great Circle Mapper -- gc.kls2.com)

Air Canada has ordered 37 Boeing 787s with options for 23 more, so the aircraft will eventually be used on flights to and from Canada. Other airlines, such as Australia’s Qantas, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines could conceivably also start flights to/from Canada using the aircraft. (WestJet has not placed any orders for the 787, and probably has no plans to do so.)

Don’t hold your breath waiting to see Boeing 787 service to or from Winnipeg though, as the local market is a little too small to support the regularly scheduled long-haul services for which the 787 was designed.

STUFF.CO.NZ: Being two years behind schedule, Boeing’s new lightweight and titanium Dreamliner finally had its first test flight.

Boeing claims the 787 Dreamliner, designed to carry about 250 passengers on long distance flights, will save the airlines millions of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs.

About 840 of the aircrafts have already been ordered by airlines, which production had been delayed five times in the past three years – due to a shortage of bolts, faulty design and a two-month strike at its factory. - read more

Al last …… after a long years of waiting….!!!!!!!!!

Boeing announced Thursday that its window for a first flight would open Dec. 15 with the actual flight timing dependent on final internal reviews, taxi testing, weather and Federal Aviation Administration documentation.

The company has said it intends to put the 787 in the air at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The scheduled first flight marks the start of the flight test program toward the goal of obtaining an FAA certification, the newspaper reported. Boeing has 840 787s on order, and the company has said it hopes to deliver the first one late next year. The 787’s arrival has been hotly anticipated, but the jet’s delivery has suffered major delays and is more than two years behind schedule.

To see more picture more .. click here

To know the Boeing 747 Dreamlifter Fact Sheet … Click here

To know more about this making of this airliner…click here

To know more about the launching news…click here

To see the first flight on youtube..click here

Now that the exhilaration of the Dreamliner’s first flight is waning, more work remains for The Boeing Co.’s 787 development team.

Tuesday’s two-years tardy first flight proved that the composite-bodied airliner can fly, but Boeing still needs to prove it can live up to the promises that have made the plane a best-seller. Boeing has orders for 865 of the twin-engine jets though the delivery of the first production plane to launch customer All Nippon Airways is still about a year away.

Here’s what lies ahead.

TESTING

• The first Dreamliner, JA001 in Boeing’s numbering scheme, will likely be grounded for about a week, said test pilot Mike Carriker, to install more electronic monitoring and testing equipment.

• The second of the six test Dreamliners could fly as soon as next Tuesday, according to industry sources, with other members of the flight test fleet following in the next month or two. Each plane will have a specific test mission. Some will find the boundaries of the plane’s performance. Others will enter mock airline service to test if there are glitches in the way the plane’s seating, lighting, entertainment or sanitary systems work. And others will test just how successful Boeing has been in making the planes maintenance-ready and less fuel thirsty.

• The test fleet will operate out of Boeing Field near downtown Seattle, where the test organization’s hundreds of engineers will monitor the planes’ performance and mechanics will measure wear and tear on the aircraft.

• Noise tests are likely to be conducted at a former Air Force base Boeing owns in Glasgow, Montana. The area is free of much man-made background noises, so more accurate readings will be available of the 787’s takeoff, landing and approach noises.

• When it comes time to conduct low temperature and icing tests next summer, the northern hemisphere might be too warm, said Carriker. It’s likely test aircraft will fly to South America, where it will be winter.

• The planes will visit airports around the world to ensure that the navigation equipment and the ground servicing equipment at those airports are compatible with the plane.

• If the testing goes as expected, the FAA will certify the 787 for airline service in late summer or early fall. Foreign certification agencies will likely follow the FAA’s lead.

PRODUCTION

• Boeing faces the considerable task of getting its production system up to speed. Initially, the company targeted a three-day final assembly process for each plane. But difficulty with some of its production partners has meant only eight planes have been finished in more than two years. Boeing still is targeting that three-day assembly, said Boeing spokeswoman Mary Hanson, but it will gradually have to ramp up the speed.

• The company will be building two new production lines, one a temporary “surge” production line in Everett that will duplicate the original production line, and an all-new production line in North Charleston, S.C. Skeptics think building two new production lines while getting the original one up to target speed might strain Boeing’s capabilities. Boeing thinks that it will all work fine.

BEYOND DREAMLINER

If all this work is not enough, Boeing must soon begin deciding how to update two of its cash cows, the 737 single-aisle jet and the long-range 777. Both are being threatened by new entrants to the field.

The 777 is being challenged on the low end of its size range by Airbus’ A350 XWB. The 737 is rivaled by new single aisle jets from Canada, China and Russia. Brazil’s Embraer might also enlarge its existing range of jets to steal 737 and Airbus A319 sales.

Boeing Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Tooling

A Dreamliner Come True: Boeing 787 flies for the first time

“The airplane flew beautifully.  There were no surprises”, said Randall Neville on 15 December 2009, one of the test pilots who commanded the flight of Boeing’s new wide-body aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner.  Such was the confidence shown by Boeing staff in commemorating this major milestone.  The Dreamliner is a 10-year, 10 billion (USD) investment program by the veteran American aircraft manufacturer.

The excitement was felt in far-away Lagos, Nigeria.  Reason?  A loyal Boeing customer, Arik Air, is a step closer towards making the statement in Nigerian civil aviation by accepting its 787s in 2016.   Around the world, thousands of aerospace workers, airline professionals and enthusiasts watched the aircraft live on television or the internet as it accelerated on the runway and lifted off successfully on its maiden test flight.  All agreed: the Boeing 787 is a beautiful manifestation of 21^st century technology.  Even Boeing’s fierce arch-rival Airbus called in to congratulate the Boeing team for achieving this feat, a rare occurrence!

A global 840-strong order for this aircraft is clearly a vote-of-confidence in an aircraft that is quite revolutionary.  Among the orders are seven (7) frames ordered by Nigeria’s rising star: Arik Air.  These will be powered by General Electric’s GEnx engines.

The Dreamliner program experienced several glitches which delayed the first flight by more than 2 years.  These included side-of-body structural re-design, overseas supplier issues, labor strikes among others which were eventually sorted out.  What remains till Japanese launch customer airline All Nippon Airways receives its first aircraft towards the end of 2010, is a critical flight testing program involving a fleet of six Boeing 787s flying around the clock, all working towards aircraft certification prior to customer deliveries.

Historically, there had been one major shift in aircraft materials used by manufacturers, and that was the replacement of wood and fabric with metal.  The Boeing 787 however, marks another shift where the metal is replaced by composites, high-performance engineered materials that are light weight yet strong enough to withstand harsh loading conditions.  This means the same number of passengers will be flown by an aircraft that is lighter in weight, fuel-efficient and therefore environmentally friendlier.

Boeing made sure it listened to the traveling public’s advice in designing its latest jet.  This has translated into a final design that includes larger windows located at eye level for the first time, cabin air filtration system for clean,  moist air, larger overhead bins, among other innovations.

Commercially speaking, Nigerians are known to like all things BIG.   As such, the 787’s large overhead bins will be capable of accommodating the largest of “Ghana-Must-Go” bags!  In my opinion, Arik Air would hit the bull’s-eye by paying very closely to the needs and culture of its guests.  As said above, the larger bins can be capitalized upon.  Additionally, the premium passengers on board as well as businessmen shuttling back and forth to Nigeria would likely expect a total game changer including internet, quick IP telephony, and perhaps some business services.  A customized, edgy/chique, African-inspired interior is to be expected and Arik Air has reportedly engaged the services of James Park Associates for the assignment.  In every aspect, watch out for an Arik Air Statement.

The exact variant ordered by Arik is the Boeing 787-900 series, which is a stretched version fitted with an extra fuel-tank, allowing for more passengers to be transported over a greater distance exceeding 15,000 kMs.  Such specifications will allow for nonstop flights to be operated from Lagos to far-away destinations as Los Angeles, Tokyo or even Sydney in favorable wind-conditions.  Even though delivery of Arik’s Dreamliner fleet won’t be expected till 2016, its benefits in promoting the growth of the airline and improving its guests’ comfort are eagerly awaited.

The long haul aircraft order placed by Arik also includes five (5) Boeing 777-300ERs, an extended-range and stretched version of the Boeing 777.  Having a comparable range to the 787-900 model, it is likely that Arik’s 777-300ER will be deployed on long-haul routes with higher market demand such those to New York, Houston, London and Singapore.  Meanwhile, the 787-900 is more suited for thinner, ultra-long haul routes such as Lagos-Los Angeles / Tokyo / Sydney.  The Dreamliner’s economical philosophy is basically to offer more frequent point-to-point services in an aircraft having a relatively smaller capacity when compared to the Boeing 777 or 747-400/-8.  From that angle, it is a right-size aircraft for new markets which Arik Air might entertain in the future (Lagos-Sao Paulo is an example).

This strategy is well suited for Arik Air as the airline seeks to expand its long-haul network in uncharted territory.  There had never been any scheduled nonstop routes linking West Africa to far away points in the Far East, the US West Coast or Australia.  As the airline matures and develops its short-haul feeding network from its Lagos and Abuja hubs in the coming few years, the airline will be well prepared in 2016 onwards to commence these long haul flights while offering convenient connections to African travelers.

The recent global financial crisis has somewhat slowed down Arik Air’s planned intercontinental expansion.  As bank liquidity dries up, major lending institutions have had to hit the brake pads on financing major aircraft acquisitions, often reflecting their own state of affairs rather than the airline’s health.  Consequently, actual deliveries of narrow-body Boeing 737-800/900s have not been in par with previous growth forecasts.

Arik’s recent track record, however, in delivering consistently on its promises in providing world-class services on short and long haul routes, has had profound market response both locally and in overseas new markets such as New York, London and Johannesburg.  All indicators point to impressive success, and assuming steady economic recovery worldwide and a return to higher economic growth in Nigeria and elsewhere, there will be a need to expedite the delivery of Arik Air’s fleet of Boeing jets ■



WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Hamilton Sundstrand today congratulated Boeing on the inaugural flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Hamilton Sundstrand systems helped enable the first flight from Paine Field, Everett, Wash. on Dec. 15. The 787 contains nine major Hamilton Sundstrand systems, comprising nearly 600 components and subsystems that incorporate various unique technologies for this first more electric commercial transport. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. ( UTX).

“I would like to congratulate Boeing on the 787 Dreamliner’s successful first flight,” said Hamilton Sundstrand President Alain M. Bellemare. “We are extremely proud to play such a major role on the program and look forward to continuing to work closely with Boeing to support the Dreamliner’s flight test program and its successful entry into service.”

Among the technical firsts for the more electric 787 is the Hamilton Sundstrand Electric Power Generating and Start System (EPGSS), which supplies nearly 1.5 megawatts of power, or enough to power about 400 homes, and more than five times the electric power on a Boeing 767. The EPGSS comprises an industry-unique electric start system. Hamilton Sundstrand’s starter generators provided the first electric start of a turbofan engine on a large twin-aisle commercial jet transport on May 21.

The Hamilton Sundstrand APS 5000 auxiliary power unit is Boeing’s first more electric APU. In the engine start sequence, the 1,100 shaft horsepower APU provides power to the engine-mounted Hamilton Sundstrand starter generators to start the engines.

Another industry first, Hamilton Sundstrand’s more electric 787 environmental control system significantly improves efficiency and fuel burn, and is a source of cabin pressurization, which eliminates the need for bleed air. The system enables lower cabin pressurization for improved passenger comfort.

The Hamilton Sundstrand Nitrogen Generation System improves fuel system safety by blanketing the fuel tanks in nitrogen-rich air. The 787 is the first passenger transport to integrate an NGS into the initial airplane design.

Other significant Hamilton Sundstrand systems include the 787’s primary power distribution system and motor controls, secondary power distribution systems, galley cooling system, electric-driven hydraulic pumps and emergency power system. Hamilton Sundstrand’s Kidde Aerospace & Defense subsidiary is supplying Boeing with the complete fire protection systems package for the 787. Hamilton Sundstrand also provides the engine gearbox system for the engine.

In addition to our technical advances in hardware and software, Hamilton Sundstrand has supported the 787 program with a substantial systems integration effort for the various Hamilton Sundstrand systems. Hamilton Sundstrand’s scope of supply and its systems integration role are unprecedented for an aerospace systems company.

Integral to that role is Hamilton Sundstrand’s Airplane Power System Integration Facility (APSIF), located at its facility in Rockford, Ill., which hosts equipment from Hamilton Sundstrand and nearly a dozen other Boeing suppliers to develop, integrate and certify the more electric technology of the 787. The APSIF contains nearly 400 pieces of equipment, including the airplane’s common core computing and remote data concentrator network, the flight deck displays and the overhead switch panels.

The 787 program is expected to generate more than $15 billion in revenue for Hamilton Sundstrand over the life of the program.

“This is a rewarding day for the entire Hamilton Sundstrand team,” said Tim Morris, Hamilton Sundstrand president, 787 Programs. “The 787 has been an exciting program since its launch in 2004, and it is tremendously gratifying to see the revolutionary role our systems have in enabling many of the 787’s step change improvements in performance, operating cost and passenger comfort.”

“Hamilton Sundstrand’s development and integration of such a broad base of systems is a unique role for an aerospace supplier,” said Joe Adams, Hamilton Sundstrand vice-president, and chief engineer, 787 Programs. “We are very proud of the contributions our technical solutions will make to the operation of the 787.”

With 2008 revenues of $6.2 billion, Hamilton Sundstrand is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Conn. Among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It also is a major supplier for international space programs.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.

This release includes “forward looking statements” concerning business opportunities and other matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward looking statements include weakness in global economic conditions; declines in end market demand in commercial aerospace; declines in levels of air travel; challenges in the design, development, production and support of advanced technologies and new products; labor disputes and delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers. For information identifying other important legal, technological, competitive and other uncertainties, see UTC’s SEC filings as submitted from time to time, including but not limited to, the information included in UTC’s 10-K and 10-Q Reports under the headings “Business,” “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Cautionary Note Concerning Factors that May Affect Future Results,” as well as the information included in UTC’s Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Boeing 787 Tools

ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT 1000 POWERS BOEING 787 DREAMLINER  FIRST FLIGHT
  
   Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company, has powered the Boeing 787
   Dreamliner aircraft first flight in
   Seattle, Washington, USA. The aircraft was
   powered by Trent 1000 engines, the latest generation in the successful Trent
   family.
  
   The Trent 1000 is the latest member of the Rolls-Royce Trent family to take to
   the skies. Trent engine technology has accumulated more than 37 million flying
   hours since the first Trent entered service in 1995.
  
   Rolls-Royce has a long track record of reducing the environmental impact of its
   products and developing new low emission products, while maintaining
   exceptional operating performance. The Trent 1000 is playing a key role in
   enabling the Dreamliner to reach its environmental targets.
  
   Mark King, Rolls-Royce President – Civil Aerospace, said: “Everyone at
   Rolls-Royce offers their warmest congratulations to Boeing on achieving this
   significant milestone. This is an excellent result for the Boeing 787 and Trent
   1000, further developing our long-term partnership with Boeing. This engine is
   another example of our ability to incorporate new technologies and set new
   standards on operational efficiency and environmental performance.”
  
   The Trent 1000 will feature as lead engine on the first four Boeing 787 test
   aircraft which will be used to demonstrate aircraft and engine performance
   during extensive flight testing.
  
   The first Trent 1000 engines will enter service with Boeing 787 Dreamliner
   launch customer All Nippon Airways.
  
   Notes to Editors:
  
   1. Rolls-Royce, a world-leading provider of power systems and services for use
   on land, at sea and in the air, has established a strong position in global
   markets – civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy.
  
   2. As a result of this strategy, Rolls-Royce today has a broad customer base
   comprising more than 600 airlines, 4,000 corporate and utility aircraft and
   helicopter operators, 160 armed forces, more than 2,000 marine customers,
   including 70 navies, and energy customers in nearly 120 countries, with an
   installed base of 54,000 gas turbines.
  
   3. Rolls-Royce employs over 38,000 skilled people in offices, manufacturing
   and service facilities in 50 countries. The Group has a strong commitment
   to apprentice and graduate recruitment, and to further developing employee
   skills.
  
   4. Sixty per cent of research and development and 40 per cent of
   new product development spending over the past five years has been outside
   the UK, with particularly strong relationships with the 27 universities
   worldwide where there are Rolls-Royce University Technology Centres.
  
   5. In 2008, Rolls-Royce invested GBP885 million on research and development, two
   thirds of which had the objective of further improving the environmental
   aspects of its products, in particular the reduction of emissions.
  
   6. Annual underlying revenues were GBP9.1 billion in 2008, of which 52 per cent
   came from services revenues. The firm and announced order book stood at
   GBP57.5 billion at 30 June 2009, providing visibility of future levels of
   activity.
  
   7. At take off each Trent 1000 generates as much power as 1,000 family cars.
   Engine development has involved more than 10,000 cycles of testing over
   5,500 hours. In November Rolls-Royce announced the successful completion of
   3,000-cycle ETOPS (Extended Range Twin OperationS) testing on the engine.
  
   8. The Boeing 787 is the first “more electric” aircraft, using engine
   electrical power to pressurise and air condition the cabin rather than
   using bleed air from the engine – this arrangement will improve cabin air
   quality for passengers

Boeing Aircraft Engine Tooling

Boeing’s newest commercial aircraft, the 787 “Dreamliner”, made its first test flight today in Everett, Washington at 18:00 UTC. Boeing claims that the new 290+ seat wide-body, twin engine jetliner is more fuel efficient than previous Boeing models.
The release of the “Dreamliner” is almost two and a half years behind schedule. The project has been plagued by various issues, including strike action, parts shortages and design problems. The aircraft is thought to have attracted 840 orders to date, though some have been cancelled due to the delays, making the 787 worth in the region of US$140bn (€96bn, £86bn) for Boeing.
An aerospace analyst, Richard Aboulafia, said that “[The test flight] will provide a badly needed perception that the program is on some kind of schedule again, but it’s still a long way from the ultimate result.” Boeing’s European rival, Airbus, is preparing to release a similar aircraft, the A350, in 2013.

Dec 15, 2009

Paine Field Airport, Everett, Washington

今天，Dreamliner首航了。

外观并无亮点，但其包含的诸多技术创新及环保理念，确实是波音吸引航空公司和大众眼球的卖点。50%的碳纤维合成材料和15%的钛应用于机身机翼主要结构，代替了传统的铝，同时也使得自重更轻、更耐腐蚀。据称在远距离飞行时，787能比同类机型节省20%的燃料，因此排放的温室气体也将大大减少。

就像他们的CEO Jim McNerney所说，“787将为空中旅行带来巨大的转变。对于旅客来说，飞行将更便宜、舒适和方便；而对航空公司来说，获得的利润将更大；另外，对我们的地球来说，它也更环保。”

United当仁不让地采购了Boeing 787和Airbus 350各25架，拭目以待。

新旧交替是自然选择，不过我还是最爱747……

Since I’ve been up I’ve been scouring the Boeing website and was hoping for live footage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner First Flight.

Yes, today, finally after years of hard work, design, build – rebuild, redesign – the 787 took to the air infront of thousands of Boeing staff, engineers, general public, well wishers and half the worlds media.

The 787 is now officially a reality – well done and congrats to Boeing and good luck to all those who’ll be building this aircraft at the all new Charlston factory.

Maybe, just maybe… Boeing should have been the designers of the A400M – or at least a whole new concept!!

Boeing’s long-delayed 787 Dreamliner finally took flight on Tuesday to the ecstatic cheers of thousands watching from a wet runway at Paine Field in Everett, WA. The composite wings flexed, and the Rolls-Royce engines roared as the first entirely new commercial jet from the Boeing Co. since launching the 777 in 1995 headed out toward the Pacific for a four-hour spin.

(Click here to tour the inside of the Boeing 787)

There are thousands of hours more to go in flight tests and other system tests, before Boeing (BA/$55) can deliver the first of the fuel-efficient jets to All Nippon Airways. Boeing plans on putting the first of 840 jets ordered, worth some $140 billion, in customer hands by the end of 2010. The plane’s first flight is clearly a huge step toward getting there. But with a program already more than two years behind schedule, customers, and Wall Street, will be keeping on a close watch on the next phase of testing to see if the planes are likely to be delivered on time.

Even as the plane was still on its maiden flight, Morgan Stanley analyst Heidi Wood cautioned her clients to, “sell the news.” Wood, who has an “underweight” rating on Boeing and a $43 price target on shares, cautions that if investors behave like they did the last time a new Boeing jumbo jet performed its first flight when the 777 debuted, Boeing shares could see a hit. In the 30 trading days leading up to the Dreamliner’s first flight, Boeing stock rallied 9% relative to the S&P 500 (it’s up 30% so far in 2009).

Back in 1995, Boeing shares rallied 6% (relative to the S&P 500) ahead of the 777’s first flight. That was followed by 11% percent underperformance (again compared to the S&P 500) for the 60 trading days after. “If history,repeats itself, Boeing may see a shift in sentiment towards the downside post 787 first flight,” Wood told clients.  On Tuesday, Boeing shares closed down almost 1%.

So if you own Boeing shares, keep a close eye. What you want to see is the next nine months going flawlessly. More than anything, Boeing needs to get its fancy new planes into the hands of customers.  Any more delays, and Boeing shares take a hit. If you are a passenger, you’ll want to keep tabs on things too.

When these jets start serving commercial routes, it’s going to be an upgrade like you haven’t experienced since they put those screens into the back of headsets.

I just finished watching the test flight of the Boeing 787…looks cool.

But heres the thing…instead of testing whether it will fly because I assure you they know it will (if it crashed on its test flight someone would be in BIG trouble) why don’t they stick 250 6 ft 3 inch men and women on the plane and see if they are comfortable. Now that is the test I am waiting to see.

After fits, and false starts, the Boeing 787 made its maiden flight, today from Boeing’s Washington state test field…..

Note:…..Check out how big the engines are and the vertical wing travel!….

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is flying for the first time today! This is probably the most awaited headline in the world of commercial aviation and can finally be published, after almost three years waiting and after a little longer than 3 hours flying time today, on December 15. 2009.

The Dreamliner was revealed on July 9, 2007, two and a half years ago. According to the original schedule, the first flight test aircraft should have taken off in the same year. This was first pushed out just two months later, when in early September 2007 Boeing announced a 2 month delay for the maiden flight. Back then they communicated that the first delivery would still be on time (it would have meant a 5 month flight-test period compared to the 777’s 11 months…), so that launch-customer, Japanese ANA could still take passengers to the Beijing Olympics on the new state-of-the-art airliner. The Beijing Olympics came and went, the Pittsburgh Steelers won Superbowl XLIII in Tampa, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley cup, Barcelona claimed the Champions League crown for 2009, Sebastien Loeb victored in Rally again and Jenson Button won the 2009 Formula-1 world title with the new Brawn GP team, but the Dreamliner has still not taken to the skies yet.

There were delays due to “software problems“, “shortage of bolts“, “difficulties around the global supply chain”, then in July came the latest Dreamliner delay news about “a series of relatively small areas” on both sides of the aircraft’s body in the “upper wing join area” that registered stress levels during static testing that “exceeded expectations” – which blew the Summer 2009 first flight plans as well.

But Santa in 2009 seems to bring a huge and long-awaited Christmas gift to all Boeing Commercial employees, to all the 55 airlines that have so far ordered 840 (!) 787’s (some of them have cancelled already, due to the delays) and to all aviation fans: THE FIRST FLIGHT !

Following the power-up, the extended stress tests on the aircraft body, the low speed taxi tests and the high speed taxi tests this past Saturday, the 787 took to the skies at 10:27 am Seattle time at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, heading to Boeing Field. The historic maiden flight was piloted by Michael H. Carriker, Chief Pilot of the type and Randall Lee Neville, Engineering Test Pilot of the 787. Carriker has been with the 787 Program since 2003, while Neville joined in 2005, after clocking more than 600 hours in 9 years with the F-22 Raptor fighter. Interestingly he also played an F-22 pilot in the movie “The Hulk”. Carriker was the captain on the first flights of the Boeing Next-Generation 737-600 and 737-900 type. They both hold type ratings in all current Boeing production models.

Just a little after 3 hours of flight, the first 787 flight touched down at Boeing field in rain, but in perfect style and the landing looked like a very soft one – from the outside. The plane was escorted on the slightly more than 3 hour flight by two T-33 training planes with cameras onboard. The plane arrived to Boeing Field at 1:35 pm local time.

You can ready about the Design Highlights of the Dreamliner here.

by balint01

Barcelona International Airport opened its doors several months ago and now is more than prepared for the arrival of the new eco-friendly Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to make its first test flight, almost two and a half years late.

Grounded by a series of hitches, including design problems, strikes and even a shortage of bolts, Boeing has pegged its hopes for the future on the plane, which promises to be one of the most fuel-efficient in the world.
It has attracted some 840 orders from all over the globe, although some have been cancelled because of the delays. Its popularity is partly thanks to its lightweight design. Made of carbon and titanium, it should reduce fuel consumption as well as save on maintenance costs.

Some 840 orders for the 787 Dreamliner makes the plane worth about $140bn (£86bn) for Boeing, but first, the aerospace giant must get the plane ready for delivery to airlines.
Analysts warn that the maiden flight is just a step towards that goal, not a sign that everything is fine.

The 787 is already 30 months behind schedule and there could be further delay as the aircraft begins test flights and seeks federal certification

Boeing says it will deliver the plane to customers by the end of 2010. Analysts say that is a very optimistic timetable while the design aims to make the plane nimble and able to fly long distances without refuelling.

You can watch the Boeing 787 Dreamliner First Flight Live, estimated take-off time 10:00am PST (18:00 GMT), Dec 15, 2009.

I used to read Aviation Week when I was working in the CAATS (Canadian Automated Air Traffic System) project and the insightful trade magazine has some backgrounds and news coverage (and very worth watching video). Read the maiden flight as reported by MarketWatch, Wired, and Seattle pi.

Here is an excerpt from AW’s “After A Long Wait, The 787 Is Poised To Fly” (emphasis added),

“Boeing will cover just the basic flight envelope when its 787-8 takes to the skies for the first time. But this jet, the first conceived and built in the 21st Century, is anything but basic.

It first appeared as the airline industry was struggling through a post 9/11 slump and dared to question the accepted wisdom of markets, manufacturing and materials. Its answer to the first was the biggest home run in aviation history; its response to the second has been troubled at best and its selection of the third is still to be proven.

With three passenger models, and (later) discussion of a possible fourth, the 787 has been gaining attention from before its launch in 2004.

The design uses a composite airframe, advanced engines and a distributed electric architecture to make a lighter, “smarter,” more fuel-efficient aircraft. Boeing is promising an airplane with 20% lower operating costs than current models through a combination of improved aerodynamics, a lighter airframe and fuel savings from either the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or General Electric GEnx-1B engines being offered.”

Here is another excerpt from AW (emphasis added),

“Pilots Mike Carriker and Randy Neville lifted the 390,000 lb. test airplane flying north from Paine Field on the start of a nominal five-hour flight that is to end with a landing at Boeing Field in Seattle.

The takeoff rotation was at 140 knots. Carriker climbed the 186-ft. long 787 to 2,500 feet initially to assure its flight stability. The flight plan calls for him and Neville then to gradually proceed through a series of reduced flap settings while flying east over Moses Lake toward Coer d’Alene, Idaho.”

NEWS

Boeing Dreamliner ready for maiden flight
By Patrick Oppmann, CNN

Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh on the 787: ” It’s going to change the way people travel.” It’s set to take its first test flight Tuesday.

Everett, Washington (CNN) — Fighting its way through more than two years of delays, Boeing’s latest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner, is scheduled to take its maiden flight Tuesday.

“We think it’s a game changer because it provides so much value to the customer,” Jim Albaugh, Boeing executive vice president and CEO, said in a CNN interview. “We think this is going to be a very efficient airplane. It’s going to change the way people travel.”

Despite the delays, Boeing’s first new commercial airliner in over a decade will still be relevant, Albaugh said Monday.

“It’s more environmentally friendly, it’s more efficient, uses less fuel, it’s going to cost the operator less to fly, it’s going to allow the passengers to pay less and feel better when they land.”

Boeing’s claims of the Dreamliner’s much-touted efficiency are tied to its design. It’s the first major airliner to be made of mostly composite materials. Boeing has staked its reputation on claims that the aircraft’s relatively lighter, faster body will save airlines up to 20 percent in fuel costs.

The company also says the new material will hold up better to the wear and tear of flight than traditional aluminum. Boeing says it has orders for more than 850 of the planes, which officially sell for around $150 million each.

Depending on the configuration, the Dreamliner can seat between 200 to 300 passengers and can travel more than 2,500 nautical miles. The target market is carriers traveling point-to-point international routes.

But despite the promise of a new more efficient airplane, production delays and technical problems have stolen some of the Dreamliner’s luster.

Many of the delays and snags in the supply line with the first Dreamliners have been blamed on the army of partners Boeing brought in to help with the construction.

“They did too much outsourcing, too soon, with too little oversight,” said Scott Hamilton of the aviation consulting firm Leeham Co. “The customers have been mightily (upset) over the creeping delays.”

Albaugh conceded that “in hindsight” the large amount of outsourcing done with the 787 was not the best strategy. “There a few things we might have kept inside, yes.”

Even though 787s won’t start flying passenger routes until at least 2011, Boeing executives said they hope a successful first flight will at least begin to quell doubts over the future of airplane production at the company.

The test flight “is going to validate the airplane to an extent,” Albaugh said. “We’ve got 10 months of flight tests in front of us. … There’s a lot of work to do.”

For Tuesday’s scheduled test flight, the Dreamliner will take off from the hanger where it was assembled in Everett, Washington, and undergo a battery of tests during a five-hour flight before landing some 40 miles away at Boeing Field just south of downtown Seattle.

“We are going to shake this airplane out to demonstrate that it can do everything we’ve advertised it to do,” Albaugh said.

© 2009 Cable News Network.

Boeing’s 787 has completed final high-speed taxi tests and is all set for first flight! The maiden voyage will be documented online of course. The live webcast is to begin today at 9:40 AM PST (17:40 GMT) at the following webpage:

Boeing 787 Dreamliner First Flight

Just click “Webcast” in the top right corner to get access to all the real time data being made available for this special event. Break a leg everybody and bon voyage!