KING COUNTY, Washington [Peter Paul Media] — Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner has completed its first successful test flight after an emotional takeoff earlier in the day, Boeing announced Tuesday.
The revolutionary jetliner landed at Boeing Field in Seattle at 1:33 p.m. local time [4:33 p.m. EST] following a three-hour, six minute test flight. 787 Chief Pilot Mike Carriker and Capt. Randy Neville tested flight systems and structures while on-board equipment relayed real-time data to flight test teams on the ground in Seattle, the company said.
Powered by two Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines, the aircraft reached an altitude of 15,000 feet and travelled at a speed of 180 knots [333 kilometres-per-hour] during the test flight.
The Dreamliner took off from the runway at Everett Field in Washington at 10:27 a.m. local time as over 12,000 employees and guests held back tears. “Today is truly a proud and historic day for the global team who has worked tirelessly to design and build the 787 Dreamliner – the first all-new jet airplane of the 21st century,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.
“We look forward to the upcoming flight test program and soon bringing groundbreaking levels of efficiency, technology and passenger comfort to airlines and the flying public.”
Boeing confirmed Tuesday that 55 airlines have placed firm orders for 840 Dreamliner’s. The 787 has already become the fastest-selling aircraft in commercial aviation history according to Boeing.
Peter Paul Media 