Boeing wing test

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100330/BIZ/703309959

Boeing Co. photo (click to enlarge)
The wings of a Boeing 787 were flexed upward by about 25 feet during stress testing Sunday at the Everett plant. Engineers reviewing the test results report that initial results are promising. The test exposed the airframe to the equivalent of 150 percent of the heaviest load it is ever expected to see while in service.


Published: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Boeing Dreamliner wings bend, apparently don’t break
By Michelle DunlopHerald WriterEVERETT —

The Boeing Co. met another milestone on its new 787 jet program this weekend but still has a long road ahead to meet its goal of delivering the first Dreamliner this year.On Sunday, Boeing performed its ultimate wing load test, bending the 787’s wings 25 feet upward. The goal of the test is to ensure the 787’s wings could withstand 150 percent of the most extreme forces the airplane is expected to experience while in service.


Boeing estimates the 787 program will put in 2,000 hours of flight testing.In January, Boeing completed its initial air worthiness testing on the 787 — the testing allowed Boeing to put additional jets and personnel in the air. Its next major milestone will be to receive Type Inspection Authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Boeing will put its 787 flight test aircraft through function and reliability testing, which demonstrates the aircraft, including all its equipment and parts, will perform as expected when put into use by airlines. Boeing has 876 Dreamliner jets on order.

Passing this test is a big deal for Boeing. The company seems to have "Bet the farm" on this project. If this next generation aircraft should have a major set back. It would have far reaching complications for all involved from suppliers to stock holders.