‘Center’ of attention

An abundance of test programs on the horizon leads Boeing to create a central command center to organize all test activities.

With development of the 787 Dreamliner in full swing, 2008 represents a big year for Boeing. Another “big” issue the company is currently facing is handling the number of test programs on the schedule for this year. For the first time in the company's history, more than 12 new and derivative airplane models are slated to undergo flight testing this year.

Adding further complexity to the challenge of testing such a large number of models is the fact that the aircraft are spread across multiple test programs. In addition to six 787s, two 777 Freighters, one 767-200 Special Freighter, and one 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter will be tested, as well as carbon brakes and a Quiet Climb system on two 737-900ERs. Boeing's Integrated Defense Systems business unit will also be performing tests on several military aircraft, and production test flights will be conducted for every plane that comes off the production line prior to being delivered to customers.