Boeing (NYSE: BA) projects a production rate of 10 aircraft per month in late 2013.
The new schedule reflects the previously announced need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, along with the addition of several weeks of schedule margin to reduce flight test and certification risk.
Boeing confirms that the team working the side-of-body reinforcement has completed initial testing and is finalising design details of new fittings that are expected to ensure full structural integrity of the joint. The static test procedure that uncovered the issue will be repeated and the results fully analysed before first flight is conducted. Fatigue testing will also be performed on stringer components to validate the long-term durability of the modification.
The first 787 test airplane and static test unit have been prepared for the new fittings. Installation is expected to begin within the next few weeks.
