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flybonanza
24th Mar 2008, 11:39
Boeing Statement on 787 Center Wing Box
EVERETT, Wash., March 20, 2008 -- It is a normal part of the development of a new airplane to discover need for improvements, and that is what we are experiencing on the 787. The robust test process in place on the 787 program has confirmed the majority of our designs but we have found the need for some improvements.

The center wing box issue has been addressed. The fix is being installed on Airplanes 1-6 in the Everett factory. Installations have begun on the four airplanes currently in Final Assembly. All airplanes after Airplane 7 will have the solution incorporated from the beginning.

The fundamental technologies being used on the 787 are proving to be reliable and effective. The material choices and manufacturing techniques for the airplane are sound.

Boeing is working its normal processes for developing a new airplane. The test process is working when issues are discovered and we are reacting appropriately by implementing normal design validation and fixes when we find issues.

******

I wonder how this new problem will effect deliveries. Shows how everyone has their problems and it was not wise of B to laugh at A when they had their A380 problems.

barit1
24th Mar 2008, 14:22
IIRC the A380 had an ultimate test rig failure 2 or 3% short of the 150% requirement. Much ado was seen on these pages, but Airbus quietly resolved the problem and moved on.

Old Aero Guy
24th Mar 2008, 15:10
I know if no instance where B laughed at A over the A380.

Do you have an example?

glad rag
24th Mar 2008, 15:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdeQ5xYrGDo

Old Aero Guy
24th Mar 2008, 15:42
Funny, but the YouTube link is about the A350, not the A380.

Jay.Walker.DUS
24th Mar 2008, 18:42
Call me a cynical old git, but when a corporate spokesperson feel the need to nvoke the words "robust", "reliable" and "effective", I have this nagging feeling things are anything but robust, reliable and effective.

The last paragraph lends itself to interpretation, and people well versed in management yuckspeak will interpret that Boeing is in even deeper doo-doo than they have so far revealed.

2 year delay (i.e. service entry mid-2010 ) seems likely, if not optimistic. Have read of issues with the main-gear doors too, and also that the 747-8 program is in even more problems than the 787 (lack of engineering resources - "all" hands dedicated to the 787).

Add to that the possibilties of Boeing engineers going on strike, and things are starting to look less than rosy.

Sunfish
24th Mar 2008, 18:45
My understanding is that McD -D managers did a reverse takeover of Boeing Management, and nothing has been very good since then.

Two's in
24th Mar 2008, 19:01
Wait for it, " I can state categorically that the Design Engineering team enjoy the full confidence of Boeing management".

robdean
24th Mar 2008, 22:24
Some alleged further details here:

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/aerospace/archives/134728.asp