787 Smokes ‘Em Up

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Key Takeaways:

  • The Boeing 787 Dreamliner successfully completed its first taxi tests at Paine Field, reaching speeds of approximately 100 knots and demonstrating functional brakes.
  • These taxi tests occurred despite a delay in the first flight, which is pending engineering fixes to strengthen the wing attachments.
  • Boeing has not yet announced a date for the Dreamliner's first flight or any further testing.
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Although a first flight for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will have to wait until engineering fixes strengthen the wing attachments, that doesn’t mean the aircraft has to sit idle. Engineers and test pilots got to run it up and down the runway at Paine Field last Tuesday in its first taxi tests. The aircraft reached speeds of about 100 knots in at least one run and the brakes were tested. They apparently work.

Boeing hasn’t announced any further testing, and a date for the first flight still hasn’t been determined.

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