Posted on 06/05/2007 9:13:31 AM PDT by Paleo Conservative
EVERETT, June 04, 2007 -- The Boeing Dreamlifter, the specially modified 747-400 used to transport the major assemblies of the all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was granted type certification on Saturday, June 2, from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The certification recognizes that the Dreamlifter has successfully passed all of the stringent testing and safety requirements required by the FAA. The Dreamlifter does not need to be certified by other regulatory agencies.
"This certification reflects not only the safety and reliability of the Dreamlifter but also its remarkable performance," said Scott Strode, 787 vice president of Airplane Definition and Production.
As part of the flight test program, FAA officials flew on board the Dreamlifter as it delivered major sections of the Dreamliner from partner sites around the world to the Boeing factory in Everett, Wash., for final assembly. The flights allowed the FAA to validate the overall delivery process and tools. The Dreamlifter is not certified to carry passengers beyond essential crew. The Dreamlifter completed 437 flight-test hours and 639 hours of ground testing since its first flight on Sept. 9, 2006.
With certification achieved, operation of the Dreamlifter fleet will soon be assumed by Evergreen International Airlines (EIA) of McMinnville, Ore. EIA must first complete the required New Airplane Process Document process proving it is ready to operate the aircraft. Boeing expects the transition to EIA to occur in June.
The tail section is attached to the airframe in that picture. It’s just that the angle of the photograph has the payload covering up most of the tail section. If you look through the payload loader, you can just see the underside of the tail swung over 90 degrees to the fuselage.
What major fuselage parts are made in the Dallas area? While Vought is headquartered there, ...
When I left Northrop Grumman in 1995, the 747 program had just come to an end. The group that I worked with was slated to be relocated to Vought in Dallas, but NG was also in the process of divesting itself of all commercial operations, Vought (presumably) being one. The relocation never took place, and I haven't kept up with NG's structure. Do you know if Vought still belongs to Northrop Grumman?
In related news, Airbus placed on suicide watch.
I just read a lot of FR and remember what I’ve read, and have outstanding skills with the search engines.
The current Vought appears to be independent:
“Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. is an independent aerostructures company, under the ownership of The Carlyle Group since July 24, 2000.
Curiosity satisfied. Thanks.
The Buran. Never saw that pic.
Well...unil I just went to Google that is. :)
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