Boeing completes 787 Dreamliner High Blow Test

Over the weekend, Boeing successfully completed a high-pressure test, known as "high blow," on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe at its Everett factory.

The test is one of three static tests that must be cleared prior to the new aircraft's first flight. During the test, the airframe reached an internal pressure of 150% of the maximum levels expected to be seen in service - 14.9 lbs. per square inch (1.05 kilograms per centimeter) gauge (psig). It took nearly two hours to complete the test, as pressure was slowly increased to ensure the integrity of the airplane.

"We had every confidence going into this test because of the extensive work we've done on larger and larger pieces of composite - from small coupons to fuselage sections," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Still, it's very rewarding to see a whole airplane being tested and having the results we expected."

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