Boeing has announced that it has addressed a component issue that temporarily halted testing of its 777X last year.
The company stated that it is now implementing new, redesigned engine thrust links. These links are responsible for transferring thrust from the engine to the aircraft structure. The presence of cracks in the original thrust links led Boeing to suspend testing of the 777-9 in August 2024 during the certification process.
“We have finalized a solution to the 777-9 thrust link issue identified last year, following months of thorough testing and analysis by our dedicated team,” the company expressed in a statement to FLYING. “Changes have already been made to our flight test airplanes, and we will maintain ongoing inspections to ensure their continued safe operation. Additional improvements will be introduced for extended operations and production aircraft prior to their first delivery.”
Boeing explained that unintentional vibrations in the thrust link caused the cracks. Engineers have made necessary adjustments to prevent these vibrations, and further modifications will be implemented before deliveries to ensure there is “no possibility of a vibratory response.”
Aviation Week was the first to report this development.
Years of Delays
Boeing resumed test flights of the 777X in January following the implementation of a temporary fix in the testing fleet.
The 777X program has experienced multiple delays since its introduction in 2013. A significant setback occurred in 2020 when an “uncommanded pitch event” caused the aircraft’s nose to oscillate up and down without any pilot input. This incident postponed certification for several years as engineers worked to address the issue.
Boeing is targeting to finalize the certification of the 777X by the end of this year or early 2026, with delivery expected to commence next year. Lufthansa is set to be the first airline to receive the aircraft.
If the 777X enters service in 2026, it will be six years later than originally planned.
Based on an article from flyingmag.com: https://www.flyingmag.com/boeing-clears-hurdle-for-long-delayed-777x/
