Connect with us

Aerospace

A Peek Inside BOEING 777X Test Flight at Paris Airshow.

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?
Boeing 777X at Paris Airshow

Have you ever wondered, How aircraft undergo the process of earning final approval certificates from the FAA or EASA for passenger flight operations after testing?

Let’s have a look at it in the article below. Before building a physical model, the aircraft undergoes extensive design and material selection. As well as testing to determine its requirements and viability.

Advertisement

Jetline Marvel received permission to visit the inaugural Boeing 777-9 at Paris Airshow 2023. Granting a unique opportunity to glimpse the typically undisclosed aspects of the aerospace industry..

Boeing redesigned the Boeing 777x and B737. Giving them a more contemporary appearance, more spacious cabin, and more sophisticated amenities than the models that came before.

Advertisement
Exploring Boeing's Testing Process for the 777X and B737 Aircraft

Take into consideration that the aircraft has an even larger engine to increase its speed and carrying capacity. The massive fan is only marginally smaller than the fuselage of a Boeing 737, with a diameter of 128 inches. The GE90-115B held the title of the world’s largest jet engine. Until the introduction of the even larger GE9X for the 777X. Although the engine has a diameter of 134 inches, it does not have the same thrust as the GE90.

Safety in the Skies: How Boeing Ensures Airworthiness Through Testing

Boeing’s 777X test planes, Including the 777-9 variant, feature a range of instruments and systems tailored for flight testing and validation.

These test aircraft assess the aircraft’s performance, safety, and compliance with regulatory requirements before it is ready for commercial service. Here are some of the key components and features typically found inside a Boeing 777X test plane.

Advertisement
Exploring Boeing's Testing Process for the 777X and B737 Aircraft

Flight Testing the Boeing 777X and B737: What Goes Onboard

Boeing 737-10 and Boeing 777 planes are experimental aircraft. Which are the forthcoming Boeing family aircraft that are currently in the testing process. The B737 Max has undergone minor fitness improvements. Boeing 777X is presently undergoing critical testing phases for its components, with an anticipated completion timeline of another 18 months.

Both aircraft arrived at the 2023 Paris Airshow. They permitted a few reporters to take a look inside the plane. It appears incredible to view the experimental airplane.

From Instruments to Ballast Tanks: The Tools of Aircraft Certification

The interior is designed to accommodate over 400 passengers in a standard two-class commercial layout. Resembles a vast, open space filled with numerous instrument racks.

Even the lateral walls, were devoid of wall finishings and fixtures. contributed to the overall work-in-progress feel of the space.

Advertisement

The large tanks you can see in this photo are at the back of the aircraft and serve a number of important functions for it to understand its own motion.

To achieve the required balance when the center of gravity of an aircraft or ship falls outside specified tolerances or the designated position, operators use ballast, which primarily consists of rubber or sand.

Advertisement

Engineers need to transfer water between the tanks to calculate the maximum weight balance of the aircraft under cruising conditions.

Difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x

Here is the difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x fuselage size which is quite bigger than A350 aircraft and the windows are slightly larger as well.

Advertisement

The cockpit boasts a modern design and incorporates cutting-edge avionics and engine features, elevating the aircraft’s capabilities.

In the aircraft, there are seats in the middle and on the right side, all of which come with soundproof covers. One of the middle seats also has a sensor installed. The left and right sides of the cabin have designated walking areas.

Advertisement

The difference between the Airbus A350 and B777x can be found in this article.

Furthermore, if you continue moving to the rear, you will notice some of the tanks that will be filled with water based on their weight

On the right side, we can see one of the engineers can sit and monitor the sensors and outside views. Most of the seats in the airplane are in the middle, where computers and sensor panels are arranged along with all the wires and sensors.

Advertisement

according to the weight load balance during the flight test mode. Internally coupled with pipers and pressure tanks, the tanks can instantaneously flow water within each other.

Exploring Boeing's Testing Process for the 777X and B737 Aircraft

As we move back, we can see one of the controllers, which is usually used to manage the water lines.

At the back end, we can see the fuselage encased and insulated with soundproof materials, which works as a shield for the aircraft fuselage.

Advertisement

There are approximately four tanks on each side of the row, with around twelve tanks at the back end. We can see outside from the plane’s window and door.

More computers and sensor monitoring chambers appear as we proceed. Engineers’ tasks are critical since they ensure that each test phase is completed. Some of the other journalists are shooting pictures inside the plane.

The aircraft looks impressive even prior to the installation of its seats. Understanding the variations in the aircraft’s data is made possible by the fact that the majority of the sensors are connected to different parts of the aircraft.

Advertisement

Furthermore, the aircraft is being equipped with the following types of instruments and equipment:

  • Flight Test Equipment: Test planes have special tools and sensors to gather data about how well the aircraft works. They look at things like how it flies, its technology, and how strong it is.
  • Controlling the Aircraft: They check if the systems that control the plane, like the fly-by-wire system, work the right way and are safe.
  • Measuring Stress and Load: Sensors are put in different parts of the plane to see how much stress and pressure it can handle during the tests.
  • Engineers on Board: Engineers are on the plane to keep an eye on everything, collect data, and make decisions during the tests.
  • Computer Programs: They use special computer programs to study the data from the tests. This helps them see how well the plane is doing and what they can make better.
  • Special Tools: Sometimes, they use special equipment, like tanks filled with weights, to copy different conditions during the tests.
  • Safety First: Safety is a big deal, with backup plans and systems to keep the test crew and the plane safe.
  • Like a Prototype: The test plane is like a prototype or an early version of the plane, so it might not have all the fancy features and systems of the final passenger plane.

Please share your thoughts on this article in the comments section. We would also be interested in hearing about any suggestions you may have for future aviation-related articles.

Advertisement

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

Advertisement

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Advertisement

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

Advertisement

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

Advertisement

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

Advertisement

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

Advertisement

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Advertisement

Trending