Boeing (Chicago) has completed final gauntlet testing on the first 747-8 Intercontinental jetliner. The two days of testing were completed late Sunday (March 13).

Gauntlet testing simulates flight conditions to test systems and ensure flight readiness. During the testing, Boeing test pilots put the airplane through its paces. See how extensive the testing is in this video: http://goo.gl/0cJCZ. Gauntlet testing is a crucial step in the path toward first flight.

First flight of the 747-8 Intercontinental will occur after final flight readiness reviews, receipt of documentation from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and taxi testing. Both taxi testing and first flight are subject to weather conditions.

Boeing (Chicago) successfully completed the first engine runs for the 747-8 Intercontinental yesterday (March 8). The milestone marks a key step in preparing Boeing’s largest-ever passenger jet for flight test.

Engine runs began at 11:57 a.m. (1157) PST and lasted approximately two hours and 45 minutes. During initial engine runs, the engines are started and operated at various power settings to ensure all systems perform as expected. The engine run test began with the Auxiliary Power System providing power to start the first of four GE GEnx-2B engines. The remaining three engines were started using the cross-bleed function.

Basic systems checks continued throughout the test. The engines were powered down and inspected and will be restarted following a technical review. The team completed a vibration check and monitored the shutdown logic to ensure it functioned as expected.

The GEnx-2B engine is optimized for the 747-8. The new engine contributes to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise, which gives customers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

Copyright Photo: Boeing.

Boeing (Chicago, Seattle, Wichita and Charleston) yesterday (February 13) unveiled its new 747-8 Intercontinental. Boeing states; “the new high-capacity passenger airplane that offers airlines the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance.”

Approximately 10,000 guests, including customers, Boeing employees, government officials, partners and suppliers, gathered in the factory in Everett, Wash., to witness the premiere of the Intercontinental at an event themed “Incredible, Again.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Albaughsaid the newest 747 incorporates technological advancements that make it an extremely productive airplane for customers.

Korean Air and VIP customers have joined launch customer Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 747-8 Intercontinentals. First delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled for the fourth quarter.

The 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 12 percent lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400. The airplane provides 16 percent better fuel economy, 16 percent less carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.

The airplane unveiled today is painted in a new Sunrise livery of red-orange that only will appear on the first 747-8 Intercontinental and is a significant departure from Boeing’s standard blue. The new color palette honors many key Boeing customers whose cultures recognize these colors as symbols of prosperity and good luck.

For more information:

CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: Boeing. The showcased aircraft above is officially 747-8JK N6067E (msn 38636).