We are getting closer and closer to the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental’s first flight. Boeing is preparing for the date and on January 8th, completed their first practice flight of the actual airplane. No, you didn’t miss the first flight of the airplane, the test was totally done on the ground, in the Boeing factory.
This was the first time all all the onboard systems were tested at the same time during the factory gauntlet testing and everything went well.
From what I am seeing, we should be seeing the rollout of the plane maybe in the next few weeks and hopefully first flight shortly after that.
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is one step closer to taking flight. The 747-8I has 133 miles of wires and a heck of a lot of power systems.Although the aircraft might look similar to the Boeing 747-400, Bernard Choi on the video reminds us that, “beneath the familiar exterior lies a suite of new technology, all of which need power to function. For example, the Intercontinental features a more powerful flight management computer, the option of dual electronic flight bags, and a new wing with control services that are fly-by-wire, all features that make it easier to pilot the airplane. At the same time, a new cabin services system, including LED lights, will make the 747-8 Intercontinental a more comfortable space for passengers.”
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is one beautiful airplane. Boeing recently tweeted a video of the first 747-8I RC001 being moved to her final assembly position and I just had to share. The 747-8I is the biggest commercial airliner that Boeing has ever made and it might turn out to be my favorite.
I can’t dance. But the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental sure can. this video shows three major parts of the new 747-8I fuselage pieces being put together to form what looks like a real (cool) plane.Take a look at the video and check out their website for more information.
You remember being a kid and splashing in the puddles? Well, I guess I sometimes get in the mood to do it as an adult to. Take the excitement of jumping in puddles, add a Boeing 747-8 and you have total awesomeness.
One of the tests the Boeing 747-8 must go through is a water spray test before getting certification. Boeing created a large puddle and ran the 747-8 through it at 30, 40, then finally at 50kts to see how the water would react to the body.
The test was conducted in Glasgow, Montana and Bernard Choi with Boeing Communications told me, “The airplane and engines performed as designed.”