WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
(NYSE: SPR), a program partner on the Boeing 787 Program, has begun production
on the first all-composite forward section of the popular new twin-aisle
airplane. The section, which measures 21 feet in diameter and 42 feet long,
follows production of three developmental units produced at Spirit over the
past two years.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070215/CGTH046 )
Spirit recently successfully completed nondestructive inspection (NDI) on
the first production article. The nondestructive inspection process uses high
frequency sound waves (ultrasonic) to scan for imperfections or voids in the
composite skin material. Tests conducted on the first production 787 forward
section confirmed the structural integrity of the unit, building on success
from earlier test articles.
"The proof of concept on our developmental sections went very well, and
set the stage for production of the first 787 forward section for our Boeing
customer," said John Pilla, Spirit's Vice President-General Manager - 787.
"We're pioneering new technology and processes on this program, and it's all
been possible because of the expertise and dedication of our people."
A super-efficient airplane, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is being developed
by an international team of top aerospace companies, including Spirit
AeroSystems. Boeing Commercial Airplanes leads the team from its Everett
facility near Seattle, Wash.
"Production of this first forward section is another important step for
the 787 program. It's exciting to see such a large piece of the airplane come
through its NDI testing," said Scott Strode, Vice President of Airplane
Development and Production on the 787 Program.
Using state-of-the-art fiber placement equipment that applies composite
plies over the barrel's complex, compound contours, Spirit wrapped the forward
section and then prepared it for curing it in a new specially built giant
autoclave.
At 70 feet in length and 30 feet in diameter, the autoclave is one of the
largest in the world. By volume it can hold about 36,755 basketballs. Its
heater has the power to warm 600 households.
"This is a program of many 'firsts,'" Pilla said, "and we're extremely
proud of the innovation and advanced technological solutions we've brought to
the table."
The Wichita facility also has the design and manufacturing
responsibilities for the 787's pylons. The pylon holds the engine to the
airplane. Spirit delivered the first 787 test pylons in 2006. The company's
Tulsa facility is designing and building the airplane wing's leading edges,
delivering the first 787 leading edges last year as well.
When completed, the forward section built in Wichita will fly onboard a
special, modified 747 cargo airplane to The Boeing Company's plant in Everett,
Wash., for final assembly. It is slated to be sent to Boeing later this year.
About Spirit AeroSystems Inc.
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Spirit AeroSystems is the world's largest
independent supplier of large component parts and assemblies for commercial
aircraft.
Spirit produces the fuselage, engine pylons and nacelles, vertical fin and
horizontal stabilizer, inboard and outboard flaps, and front and rear wing
spars for Boeing'sNext-Generation 737 family of airplanes. It also builds
nose sections, nacelles and pylons for the 747, 767 and 777 aircraft, as well
as slats and floor beams for the 777, and wing and fuselage components for the
747.
Spirit's facilities in the United Kingdom produce wing components for the
Boeing 767 and 777, and the Raytheon Hawker 800XP. Additionally, its European
operation provides structural components, chiefly on wings, for the Airbus
A320, A330, A340 and A380 families of aircraft.
SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
Contact: Sam Marnick of Spirit AeroSystems, +1-316-523-3330, or, Lori Gunter of Boeing 787 Program, +1-425-717-0571