“Successfully completing this test is a critical step in the certification of the 787," says Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This is further validation that the 787 performs as expected, even in the most extreme circumstances."
On 28 March, loads were applied to the test unit to replicate 150% of the most extreme forces the aircraft is ever expected to experience while in service. The wings were flexed upward by approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) during the test and the fuselage was pressurised to 150% of its maximum normal operating condition.
In evaluating the success criteria for the test, Boeing specialists have been studying the thousands of data points collected during the test to ensure that all parts of the aircraft performed as expected.
“The airframe performed as designed and retained the required structural integrity," reports Fancher. "These results continue to validate the design of the 787 as we move toward certification.”
