Desert Falcon's Archives
787 Passes Wing Bend Test
Los Angeles
March 2010
During the test, which occurred with the fuselage pressurized to 14.9 psi, the wingtips were deflected upwards by approximately 25 ft. The test was also a key evaluation of the strengthened side-of-body modification which was instigated in June 2009 after initial load tests revealed potential weaknesses in the wing-root join.
The deflection of the higher-aspect-ratio composite wing was greater than that of the metallic 777 wing, the last major primary structure to undergo “wing ultimate up-bending” tests in Boeing’s sprawling Everett site more than 15 years ago. The 777 wing failed at 154%, having deflected 24 ft.
Although an apparent success, the company is sounding a note of caution before declaring victory. “The initial results of the ultimate-load test are positive. More extensive analysis and review are required before the test can be deemed a success,” says Boeing. The static test is an important milestone not only for further flight testing, but as a key structural verification of the design predictions. Stress and loads data from the test will also be used to determine the final design of the stretched 787-9 variant.
READ MORE: AviatiionWeek.com
