In April, the average temperature in Florida is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. So, why is the 787 Dreamliner in the "Sunshine State" testing for freezing temperatures?
There's a good explanation: Florida is home to the largest refrigerated hangar in the world. Located at Eglin Air Force Base, the McKinley Climatic Laboratory can simulate temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
"This is really the only place in the world we could go in April that would give us the kind of cold temperatures that we need," said Tom Sanderson, the flight test director for the third 787 test bed. "We have a lot of new systems on this aircraft and we want to make sure it's all functioning properly in extreme situations."
The Boeing Company reported fourth-quarter net income of $1.3 billion, or $1.75 per share, as revenue rose 42 percent to $17.9 billion. Current period results reflect solid performance across core businesses and represent a significant improvement over the year-ago quarter, which included a labor strike and a charge on the 747 program.
Revenue for the full year reached a record $68.3 billion on higher commercial deliveries and growth in Defense, Space & Security. Earnings for the year declined to $1.84 per share due to a combined $3.58 per share impact from previously announced 787 and 747 events in Commercial Airplanes. Earnings for 2008 of $3.67 per share included a combined $2.56 per share impact primarily due to a labor strike and charges on the 747 program.
Airbus will decide this year whether to re-engine the A320, with company officials hoping the combination of a new powerplant and already-approved winglet upgrade could improve fuel-burn of the single-aisle aircraft by as much as 15%.
Airbus CEO Tom Enders said he expects a decision this year on whether or not to re-engine, and also what the potential powerplants might be. The goal is to keep the A320 commercially strong in the face of growing competition from the likes of the Bombardier CSeries and Comac C919.
The Boeing Company today delivered the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The aircraft were delivered during a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. Attending the ceremony were officials from the RAAF, the Defence Materiel Organisation and Boeing.
Boeing today held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for the second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner program at its Boeing Charleston facility. The facility also will have the capability to support the testing and delivery of airplanes.
"Today's event marks the beginning of an expansion plan that will strengthen the 787 program and allow us to continue building on the footprint we have established in South Carolina with Boeing Charleston and Global Aeronautica," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Locating the second line in North Charleston will allow Boeing to successfully compete in the aerospace market and grow for the long-term benefit of many stakeholders."
