Boeing announced on February 2 that it has moved the 787 fatigue test airframe into a specialised testing rig at Everett to begin life cycle structural testing.
“Unlike static tests, where loads are applied to the airplane structure to simulate both normal operation and extreme flight conditions, fatigue testing is a much longer process that simulates up to three times the number of flight cycles an airplane is likely to experience during a lifetime of service,” said Scott Fancher, 787 vice president and general manager. “This testing is instrumental in confirming the longevity of the airplane.”
Set up is expected to begin immediately, with the first test to begin mid-year.
