Boeing B-787 ZA005 Flight Test Hours
 

Has anyone noticed the very high number of short duration (less than 45 minutes) flight tests that ZA005 has undertaken as part of its programme?

Is this an unusual trend when compared to the other 4 test aircraft?

FlightAware > Boeing Commercial Airplane Group #5



Mike

Average flight time of that prototype is around 2 hours per flight.
The duration of an experimental test flight depends on its general goals and detailed test plan.
Each hour of experimental test flight generates thousands of parameters which undergo data reduction and analysis. Hundreds of parameters are followed in real time. All parameters are analyzed after each flight, some must be completed before the next flight, by dozens of engineers of the aircraftmanufacturer and sub-contractors, GE in this case. Part of the analysis is automated, but most is reviewed by the engineers.

It is an engine testbed for the GEnx. Many takeoffs and landings seem tpyical for a first test phase. Cruise, long range and performance should follow on later.