By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: 777x Fuselage RIPS APART during testing
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2024 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > 777x Fuselage RIPS APART during testing

777x Fuselage RIPS APART during testing

Luke Will
Last updated: 30 November 2019 23:28
By Luke Will 3 Min Read
Share
SHARE

In Early September, Boeing began tests of their new flagship widebody airliner, the 777x; With the reputation of the 777 family on the line, the manufacturer, already plagued with issues on the 737-MAX family, were keen to keep the failings of the project quiet. However, in new images released today, the real result of the (reported failed) pressure testing on the 777x airframe, has been shown.

Initially, it was reported that the airframe failed testing due to a cargo door being unsealed properly, however it now appears it was not only the cargo door that exploded off the aircraft, but in-fact the fuselage itself that ruptured! According to test papers released by the Seattle Times, as the test was reaching it’s target level for success, an ‘explosive depressurisation’ ripped the fuselage apart. Photos from the incident, previously kept internally by Boeing, show large rips through the fuselage skin, as well as damage to cabling through the cabin. The prior report of a cargo door blowing off is entirely unfounded however. Also according to the report, damage was caused just behind the wing, causing the cargo door to ‘fall’ towards the hanger floor – Not explode violently outwards as initially reported.

Extensive damage can be seen to the fuselage skin | (c) Seattle Times

What tests do aircraft go through?

Pressurisation systems ensure the correct cabin and hold conditions are met to sustain life at cruising and climb altitudes. At 36,000ft, passengers would face hypoxia (An acute lack of Oxygen to the brain), passing out in approximately 30 seconds, without a pressurisation system onboard. To successfully pass tests, aircraft have to withstand 1.5x the standard pressure experienced, and wings are ‘flex-test’ to withstand 28ft of flex from their natural position.

The FAA have however said that the airframe met 1.48x the operational requirements and thus will not need to be retested, adding:

What we’ve seen to date reinforces our prior assessment that this will not have a significant impact on the design or our preparations for first flight.”

Whilst this may seem alarming, 99% of the test threshold was met – A threshold unlikely to ever occur mid-flight – and Boeing have released a statement vowing to “look at the area of the keel to repair the weakness presented”. One thing to note however, is that the airframe used for testing has now been ‘written-off’ and will not be used for any future tests.

So what are your thoughts on this development in the 777x program? Are you still a Boeing fan? Let us know in the comments…

You Might Also Like

Manchester Airport Group continues its investment programme after a successful year

Embraer to expand across Europe, establishes partnership with Lithuania

First Day of August turns out to be the busiest day for air travel

Alaska Airlines launches new routes to connect California and the Pacific Northwest

Emirates offer a new daily service to Hangzhou

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Luke Will
By Luke Will
Follow:
Editor in Chief - Contributing to the aviation news and investigative journalism sections of Travel Radar, Luke brings a rich understanding of the commercial aviation and air-travel industry to his reporting.
Previous Article AtlasGlobal Suspends Flights
Next Article Air New Zealand Hits Back at Racist Online Comment

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Airplane
Bangladesh Ministry Orders 25 Boeing Planes, Biman Left in the Dark
Airline Economics Aviation
A Qatar Airways airplane is flying in the sky. The aircraft is a modern jet with a sleek design, featuring the airline's logo and branding on its fuselage and tail. The background shows a clear blue sky with some light clouds.
Qatar Airways will increase flights to more than 15 destinations this winter
Airlines Aviation Route Development
Passengers boarding aircraft
Decline in Air Travel Passengers in June 2025,says IATA
Airline Economics Aviation
British Airways' Boeing 777 aircraft
London Heathrow-Cape Town Route to have Avios-Only flight By British Airways
Airline Economics Airlines
Aviation Minister visits jet2.com cheadle training facility
UK Aviation Minister visits Jet2.com training facility
Aircraft Aviation Manufacturing Travel Trip Reviews
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Press & PR
  • Privacy & Legal

Our Content

  • News
  • Data
  • Images
  • Jobs
  • Subscribe

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?