787 Within Customer Weight

Boeing Focuses On 787 Weight Reduction

Engineers and designers at Boeing continue their work to drive down
weight estimates close to original targets for the 787, but the head of
the program is quick to point out the aircraft's weight is still within
its commitment to customers. Previously, Boeing executives have said
the aircraft's weight is a little over 2% above its aim, and yesterday
787 Program VP Mike Bair reiterated that statistic and said Boeing was
focused on driving the weight of the plane down. Boeing is targeting an
operating empty weight of 239,200 pounds for the 787-8. Bair explained
Boeing's weight reduction efforts were "down to the nitty-gritty
details," in terms of engineering each individual part to achieve the
best weight. He emphasized the 787 weight issues won't violate any
pledges Boeing has made to its customers. Boeing continues to refine
the 787's design and plans to increase the overall wingspan of the
787-9 by six feet, Bair said, noting that wingspan of that size would
likely be featured on the 787-10.

Interest Outside Japan

Bair noted Emirates' desire for a larger plane forced Boeing to move
faster on the 787-10 than the airframer liked. He also explained that
Emirates has not told Boeing that it's putting its evaluation of the
-10 version of the plane on hold as a result of a possible redesign of
the Airbus A350. The head of the 787 program also hinted that there
was some interest outside of Japan for the 787-3, and Boeing is in
talks with a couple of airlines.

Boeing is also conducting systems testing on the 787 and is halfway
through a lease on a 777 plane from American Airlines to test
second-generation fly-by-wire software scheduled for use on the 787
planes. Boeing has tested most of the flight envelope, Bair explained,
including ways to dampen turbulence and move aerodynamic surfaces to
reduce loads during wind gusts. The airframer also plans to conduct
de-icing tests using the next-generation fly-by-wire system.

The airframer has completed 25% of the information necessary to build
parts and tools for assembly, most notably the larger elements, such as
the fuselage and wing skins. Another milestone occurs at the end of
June when major assembly of the first plane -- specifically the center
wing section -- begins at Fuji Heavy Industries.

Aviation Daily 5/23/2006