Boeing factory demonstrator at Dulles International last May. Photo: Andrew Thon – OPShots Contributor //
Boeing is preparing to install a modified battery system for flight tests in a 787 in anticipation of the FAA approving its redesign plan, which the manufacturer hopes could come by March 6.
At the same time, the airframer is steeling itself for a lengthy test and qualification period, with regulators already emphasizing the need for extensive testing. Testing and certification of the battery fix now may mean the first 787 does not return to service until late April or May.
Although no firm details of Boeing’s revised battery system have emerged since it was proposed to the FAA on Feb. 22, the manufacturer confirms the plan is for a one-stop permanent solution, and not an interim step. “Our proposal includes multiple layers of protection covering the known potential probable causes of the events,” says Boeing.
While not ruling out further changes to the battery system, Boeing sources indicate these would be made for only economic, rather than safety, reasons. The proposed changes incorporate additional layers of safety to “fully address the safety issues that have been identified,” say company insiders.
