Boeing has completed the firm configuration milestone for the 777-9, the first member of the 777X family to be developed. The Boeing 777X team reached this design milestone after working closely with airline customers and key suppliers to optimise the configuration of the new airplane. The 777X family includes the 777-8 and the 777-9.
Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager, 777X programme, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, “It’s great to see the airlines and industry team side-by-side with us as we achieve this important milestone. The team has followed a disciplined process to complete all of the requirements for this stage of the programme.”
The firm configuration milestone marks the completion of configuration trade studies required to finalise the airplane’s capability and basic design. Wind tunnel test results, aerodynamic performance and structural loads are also evaluated to ensure the airplane meets requirements. This allows the 777X team to begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems for the airplane. As detailed designs are completed and released, production can begin.
Feldmann added, “The programme is right where we want it to be. We have an airplane and production system that are on track and on schedule, and we remain laser focused on meeting our commitments to our customers.”
The 777X programme has received orders and commitments for 320 airplanes from six customers worldwide. Production is set to begin in 2017.