777X high speed wind test

Boeing has started high-speed tests on the Boeing 777X at its Transonic Wind Tunnel in Seattle, US.

The move marks a key milestone in the development of the 777X.

777X programme vice-president and chief project engineer Terry Beezhold said: "Data from these tests will allow us to validate our airplane cruise performance models in support of our ongoing design efforts."

The tests will support experts in the configuration development of the aircraft, validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) predictions, and support preliminary load cycle development.

Last month, Boeing started low-speed wind tunnel tests for the 777X at defence technology firm QinetiQ’s test facility in Farnborough, UK, where the testing is ongoing.

"Wind tunnel testing will validate our performance models and generate a vast amount of data that our engineering teams will use to design the airplane in this phase of development."

"Wind tunnel testing will validate our performance models and generate a vast amount of data that our engineering teams will use to design the airplane in this phase of development," Beezhold said.

The low-speed and high-speed testing will provide further design refinement and validation of overall aircraft performance predictions.

Wind tunnel tests for noise, icing and propulsion are set to begin in the coming years.

Boeing stated that it is on-track to reach firm configuration in 2015 for the 777X, which has logged 280 orders and commitments to date from five customers worldwide.

The 777X range includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, featuring the GE9X commercial engine and a high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span over the existing 777.

Image: The low-speed and high-speed testing will provide further design refinement and validation of overall aircraft performance predictions. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology