Boeing grounds entire 777X test fleet after discovering engine defect
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13761131/boeing-777-test-fleet-grounded-engine-defect.html
Boeing has been forced to ground its entire 777X test fleet - the latest in a series of blows to the embattled manufacturer that's lasted several years. The 777X is Boeing's latest and most state-of-the-art aircraft, was supposed to start commercial service in 2020.
That timeline has since been pushed back until 2025, as the discovery - a failed component connected to the jet's engine - threatens to hamper it even further. The find was made over the weekend, after of the test planes landed in Hawaii, bearing damage on an important component that connects the engine to the structure of the aircraft.
Subsequent inspections found the same cracks on two other active test plane's engines. The news service to first report the details was the Air Current, spurring a statement from Boeing Monday.
'During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed,' the statement sent to DailyMail.com read.
'Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready.
'We are keeping the FAA fully informed on the issue and have shared information with our customers.' The malfunction comes weeks after the FAA cleared test flights for long-awaited 777X aircraft. It features new GE9X engines, new composite wings, and increased cabin width and seating from its forebears. The part in question connects to the GE9X engines, which are made by General Electric (GE).
It's made by Boeing and is unique to the 777X, made of heavy titanium and called a 'thrust link.' It's distinct to the plane in part because of a partnership between the companies that began in 2014, which saw GE become Boeing's sole engine maker for larger jets like the 777X.
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