The Boeing Co.’s flight test programs had a busy weekend.
Boeing added a fourth and a second 747-8 Freighter to flight testing Sunday.
This was the third Dreamliner built by Boeing but the fourth to fly. This Dreamliner is equipped partially with seating and overhead bins that passengers will see when Boeing’s 787s enter commercial service.
“We’ve done a significant amount of ground testing on the new systems on ZA003 in preparation for first flight,” said Capt. Ray Craig, who flew the Dreamliner along with Mike Bryan.
The 787 flew for three hours and six minutes before landing at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Boeing’s second 747-8 Freighter took off 3:57 p.m., Sunday, from Everett’s Paine Field and landed at 6:25 p.m., at Boeing Field in Seattle. The airplane reached an elevation of 27,000 feet and a maximum speed of 276 miles per hour.
“The airplane performed well on its first flight,” said Andy Hammer, test program manager for 747-8. “It was a good start to a demanding flight-test program for this airplane.”
Boeing plans to have three 747-8 Freighters in its flight test program. The company is aiming to deliver both its first 747-8 and its first 787 later this year.
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