Boeing has completed the firm configuration for the 787-9 Dreamliner.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president of 787-9 development Mark Jenks said that firm configuration meant the airplane’s structural, propulsion and systems architectures were defined and would not change.
The firm has concluded the trade studies required to finalise the airplane’s overall capability and basic design, allowing it and its suppliers to begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems for the 787-9.
The aircraft, the second member of the 787 family, is a bigger version of the 787-8 with the capacity to seat 250-290 passengers and a range of up to 8,500nm.
Production will begin once detailed designs are completed and released, with the first 787-9 delivery scheduled for late 2013.
