Posted on 06/11/2007 12:41:09 PM PDT by Freeport
The world's most advanced civil aircraft production line is taking shape in Seattle, as the 787 begins the final lap of its journey to first flight
Inside Boeing's cavernous Everett construction plant near Seattle the race is on to assemble the first 787 by the planned 8 July roll-out date. Yet, compared with the bustling 777 production line in the adjacent 40-25 building, the 787 appears to be coming together almost by stealth.
Currently the 787 line in the 40-26 building contains only the first aircraft, ZA001, but it will seem relatively empty even when it is pumping out the twinjets at a rate of one every three days - a record for any widebody. Gone, for example, are the massive traditional "monument" assembly tools, and the complex infrastructure that is the usual feature of a large-aircraft assembly line.
© Mark Wagner / Aviation-images.com Boeing's 777 line at Everett "pulses" along, with the aircraft assembled in a nose-to-tail position
The line and its new processes are unlike anything seen in the Everett building since the first bays were built for the 747 programme over 40 years ago. This is due to lean manufacturing principles used to design the line, and the decision to bring in the 787 parts as large subassemblies.
"This is a very different production model," says 787 manufacturing and quality vice-president Steve Westby. "There are changes in technology covering everything from the way we exchange information to the logistics involved in how we get the parts here."
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
bump.
The real question - will the 787 go into revenue service before the 380. Probably not, but you never can tell what problem will turn up on the 380 next.
I see a new Air Force 1 in Hillary’s future. Nothin’ too good for ‘er majesty.
Nah. Doesn't matter. The 787 is what the carriers want and need: a hyper efficient medium capacity revenue machine that maximizes existing infrastructure and minimizes operating costs.
It's a home run, no matter what the froggies do with their whale.
Is Boeing set to take back the “largest airplane company” title from Airbus yet?
Once Boeing successfully completes this launch they can launch any new models this way or relaunch old ones.
They could always name it after DeGaul and turn it into an ex-colony.
>>>>hyper efficient medium capacity revenue machine
Exactly.
Airlines love their 767s (and so do passengers) and the stretch 737s.
Who would have ever thought that the 757 would be out of production but the 1960s 737 would be going strong?
Considering the ethnic content of the Banlieus, I vote for "Gaulistan"
That IS amazing, isn't it?
I predict the 87 to do the same in its segment.
And there are 737s that hold more pax (215) than the original 767 (211!)
You don’t ever want to be on board a 737 configured for domestic service anywhere in Asia... unless you’re 115# or under...
Ever fly a 747 SR, (not the SP but the SR?) Made for JAL, ANA and other Asian airlines. 11 across, about four or five extra seat rows, three overwing exits on each side so the extra passengers could all get out (supposedly.)
The PRC even commissioned Boeing to investigate a SRO 747 for short flights. It was to have about 180 seats, 460 standees!
On recent flight from Hong Kong to Shanghai, 80% of passengers smoked from boarding to leaving a/c, with about 20 standing in aisle ready deplane AS WE TOUCHED DOWN.
All as opposed to Turkish Airlines. All brand new 737 700s, 8 stewards to will not let you put your bag in the overhead (they do it all) and a good hot meal (hot sandwich) on a 38 minute flight! Great service. Pilots are mostly former Turk AF and very good.
Then there was the Ivory Coast Airlines Viscount flight to Ghana in 2004. A/C was built in 1957. I spoke to pilot before we took off. He asked me to explain “Magic Box” GPS to him. It was 1000 feet VFR down the coast until he saw Accra, then he was happy because he knew where the airport was!
The AP doing its best to save the euros nightmare failure, called the 787 a frankenstein creation.
The AP doing its best to save the euros nightmare failure, called the 787 a frankenstein creation.
bump
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