SEATTLE — An early Boeing 787 Dreamliner loaded with new technologies aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental footprint has started flight testing, the company announced Monday.
The aerospace giant is using the fourth Dreamliner, ZA004, for the latest flight tests in its ecoDemonstrator Program, which helps test and refine technologies and methods to improve efficiency and reduce noise.
This latest round of testing “will evaluate software and connectivity technologies related to operational efficiency; remote sensors to reduce wiring; aerodynamic and flight control improvements for greater fuel efficiency, and icephobic wing coatings to reduce ice accumulation,” according to a news release issued by Boeing.
“The ecoDemonstrator is focused on technologies that can improve airlines’ gate-to-gate efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner said in the news release.
The test include:
• NASA Airborne Spacing for Terminal Arrival Routes (ASTAR) to improve landing efficiency;
• New greenhouse gas sensors evaluated in collaboration with Japan Airlines and others;
• Real-time turbulence reports generated in collaboration with Delta Air Lines to mitigate moderate or greater turbulence events, resulting in improved flight efficiency and passenger comfort;
• Instrument landing systems for new and older aircraft to optimize landings and reduce fuel use;
• On-Board Wireless Sensor Network and Micro Electro Mechanical Systems microphones to reduce wiring and weight; and
• Outer wing access doors made from recycled 787 carbon fiber to reduce material costs and factory waste;
In July, the airplane tested an acoustic ceramic matrix composite nozzle designed by Boeing to reduce weight and noise.
In 2011, the ecoDemonstrator Program used an American Airlines Next-Generation 737 to test 15 technologies including new winglets that are expected to improve fuel efficiency by 1.8 percent on the new 737 MAX.
The program has more tests planned next year using a 757 in collaboration with TUI Travel Group and NASA.
Supplier partners for ecoDemonstrator 787 technologies and flight tests also include Rolls Royce, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, General Electric and Panasonic.
Dan Catchpole: 425-339-3454; dcatchpole@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dcatchpole.
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