ZA001, the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has had to have one of its Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines replaced after it experienced a surge during flight testing in Roswell, New Mexico.
According to various reports, the surge occurred on September 10 late in the day while the aircraft was taxiing out for brake testing. A loud boom was reportedly heard by the operating crew, with both Boeing and Rolls-Royce stating that they understand that the surge was “an isolated event.” A replacement engine has been shipped to Roswell and is being installed on the aircraft, with the aircraft expected to return to flying by September 18.
Boeing has not yet indicated if the latest incident will have an impact on its certification and delivery schedule for the 787, with the first aircraft now expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2011.
