The first 747-8 Freighter is now in final assembly - more than 80% assembled in fact.
Looking impressive in final assembly - we can now get a complete view of the first 747-8.
Last Friday we marked a big time milestone in Everett when mechanics turned on the power to the airplane for the first time – a complex series of tasks that energize and activate the 747-8’s systems.
With power on, the program can begin testing the 747-8 Freighter’s systems - including electrical, hydraulics and pneumatics. One 747 team leader had a descriptive way of putting it. He said, “The airplane is alive.”
747 Final Assembly mechanic George Beaudette helps “plug in” the first 747-8 Freighter on Aug. 14th - starting the “power on” process.
As we saw with 787 power on, this important step for the 747-8 validates the installation of the power distribution system as well as its functionality.
The mechanics who plugged the “stingers” into the 747-8 Freighter sent about 30 kilovolt-amperes of electricity through roughly 116 miles of wire and 9,500 connectors.
747 Final Assembly’s Mike Bryan looks on as power brings alive the flight deck of the 747-8 Freighter.
A lot of great effort and progress has gone into this airplane. Getting to this stage is the result of some close coordination between manufacturing and engineering teams, as well as our suppliers.
Of course there’s still more to accomplish before we complete assembly of the first freighter, and then fly it as scheduled in the fourth quarter.
