Air Data News reports that Boeing has deployed two 777-9 test aircraft to Iceland and Bolivia for crosswind and high-altitude testing as certification efforts continue for the long-delayed widebody. One aircraft is conducting flights in Iceland’s strong winds, while another is heading to Bolivia’s Alcantarí International Airport, where the elevation exceeds 10,000 feet and “thin air reduces engine thrust and aerodynamic performance.” The testing comes as Boeing works through certification challenges involving its GE9X engines while targeting first deliveries in 2027.
Full Story (Air Data News)
Tag: Takeoff
Boeing 777-9 to Begin Takeoff Performance Tests at Edwards AFB
Aviation Week reports, “Boeing 777-9 certification tests reached a key stage on Aug. 14 with the return of WH001, the first 777X development aircraft, to Edwards AFB, California, for the start of takeoff performance testing.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Norwegian Air Force F-35A JSF Demonstrates Ability to Takeoff, Land from Highway
The Drive reports that “Norway has become the first country to demonstrate the ability of the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A Joint Strike Fighter to operate from a highway as part of an exercise in Finland.” Maj. Gen. Rolf Folland, Chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, said in a press release, “This is a milestone, not only for the Norwegian Air Force, but also for the Nordic countries and for NATO. … This demonstrates our ability to execute a concept of dispersal. Fighter jets are vulnerable on the ground, so by being able to use small airfields – and now motorways – [we can] increase our survivability in war.” Norway’s F-35As “have been training to conduct highway operations in Finland this week as part of the latest iteration of that country’s annual Baana road base exercise, which kicked off on Monday.”
Full Story (The Drive)