Boeing is defending the integrity of the fuselages on two of its largest planes, which have come under criticism from a whistleblower who warns that panels on the outside of one of the planes could eventually break apart during flight.
Two Boeing engineering executives went into detail Monday to describe how panels are fitted together, particularly on the 787 Dreamliner. They suggested the 787’s carbon-composite skin is nearly impervious to metal fatigue that weakens conventional aluminum fuselages.
Their comments during a lengthy media briefing served as both a response to news reports last week about the whistleblower’s allegations and a preemptive strike before he testifies to a congressional panel on Wednesday.
The whistleblower, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, said excessive force was applied to fit panels together on the 787 assembly line, raising the risk of fatigue, or microscopic cracking in the material that could cause it break apart.
Jessica Biel CHOPS her long locks into a bob after book signing in Studio City
Masterful meals: Masterchef 2014 Champion Ping Coombes's nasi goreng with sambal belacan
JULIE BURCHILL: Why I spread rumours about Kate
Government agrees to slash road user charges for plug
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
WWII bomb found in garden in UK city taken out to sea
How Lady Louise Windsor is tipped for a key role in Prince William's future monarchy
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Rustle these up with Rosemary: Carrot cake with orange buttercream and walnuts
Analysis: Larson enters conversation with Verstappen as best drivers in the world
Core blimey: Bramley & butternut squash soup with gorgonzola cream