Boeing Puts Redesigned Dreamliner Batteries to the Test
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Matt Hosford/ABC News(SEATTLE) — Boeing says testing for its 787 Dreamliner featuring a redesigned battery went “according to plan.” The plane took off from Seattle for a test flight lasting more than two hours on Monday.
Boeing is trying to convince the Federal Aviation Administration that Dreamliners are safe so airlines around the globe can start flying them again. The aircraft have been grounded since January, when batteries onboard began overeating and catching fire.
A few dozen people lined up to watch as the 787 took off for the function test flight with the changes to the lithium ion battery. One spectator said he’ll have no problem getting on a 787 once the fleet is back in the air.
“Oh absolutely. Not a problem,” the man said while watching the testing. “I’m just confident in what they’re doing out here.”
Boeing plans to analyze the data from Monday’s test flight, then plan for a certification demonstration flight on the battery fix.
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