Dec 16 2010
787 Setbacks – Dreamliner Test Flight Goes Up In Fumes
One more glitch within the development of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has happened. A 787 examination flight ended with an unexpected emergency landing Tuesday when pilots reported fumes within the main cabin. Examination flights of the 787 were stopped, the latest hiccup in production that has been recently jeopardized by concerns with much-publicized failures of Rolls-Royce motors at major airlines.
Boeing’s smoking 787
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved within the event was on final approach to Laredo Airport in Texas on a test flight from Yuma, Arizona. There were reports coming in from the pilot. Apparently the back of the main cabin had smoke in it. The 42 people crew got out of emergency exit chutes following the 787 had been landed safely. An injury had been reported by one person. The business didn’t say how long it would take to determine the cause of the problem. The electronic systems within the aircraft, like wiring or lighting, could have been where the smoke came from `The electronic system could have caused the smoke in the aircraft. This involves wiring and lighting. The Dreamliner’s Rolls Royce engine had been ruled out. The 787 didn’t lose power either, Boeing stated.
Waiting for the Dreamliner
Boeing’s future will depend on the 787 Dreamliner products. There was fuel efficiency in mind when this aircraft was designed. It is good for the economy. It’s the first airliner within the world built from composite materials and uses 20 percent less fuel that other planes its size. The 787 had been supposed to be used a long time ago. It was scheduled for May 2008 to be used. There have been collaboration challenges from outside suppliers though. This has caused delays. December 2009 had been when the Dreamliner had its first test flight. Probably the most ever ordered for a plane being developed has happened with the 787. In fact, 850 have already been ordered around the world.
Thinking about the future of Boeing
As Boeing has been trying to get the Dreamliner flying, the 787 test flight suspension is just one of the setbacks. The Rolls-Royce engine has turned into a problem after two separate in-flight engine failures last week aboard Airbus A380s. There are Rolls-Royce engines in many of the Dreamliner’s. 17 of the 25 that have been in the flight line have had this problem. Deliveries will take longer than expected while production numbers are lower than expected. This is what Boeing explained to Wall Street Investors. Boeing stock fell more than 3 percent.
Articles cited
CNN
cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/10/boeing.dreamliner.test/index.html?npt=NP1
Reuters
reuters.com/article/idUSN1014450020101110
Seattle Times
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2013385417_dreamliner10.html
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