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By Daniel Baxter |
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November 6, 2010 -
Boeing has completed the power on sequence for the new 747-8
Intercontinental. This milestone enables the program to begin functional
tests on the airplane. "This is a critical step in the assembly process
for the new 747-8 Intercontinental," said Elizabeth Lund, 747 deputy
program manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The airplane's systems
are now live. This milestone is a reflection of the focus and hard work
of our engineers, mechanics and suppliers."
Power on is a
complex series of tasks that methodically energize and activate the
airplane's systems. In this critical stage of the assembly process, the
electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems are brought on line. |
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Mechanics
connected the 747-8 to an external power cart to energize the
flight-deck display and maintenance systems. The electricity coursing
through the airplane's 133 miles (214 km) of wire will be as high as 105
kilovoltampere (kVa).
"We are very
methodical in ensuring the integrity of the airplane's systems," said
Todd Zarfos, vice president of 747 engineering, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes. "This accomplishment is a key milestone in validating the
design, installation and functionality of the electrical, hydraulic and
pneumatic systems."
A video that gives
you an inside look at the power on sequence is available at
http://bit.ly/dlXgym. The program is expected to complete assembly of
the 747-8 Intercontinental in the first quarter of 2011. The airplane is
scheduled to enter service in late 2011 following the flight test
program. The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and the 747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005. Boeing has 109 orders for the 747-8 -- 33 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76 for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled to deliver in late 2011. |
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