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.
Miao Woman Inherits, Promotes Family's Tea
Tianhetan: 'Bonsai of Guizhou's Mountains and Water'
Strictly star Giovanni Pernice's former partner Rose Ayling
Attaining Wealth by Growing Popular Guavas
Zhaji Ancient Village: Diamond Hidden in Mountains
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
A Surviving and Evolving Musical 'Aristocrat'
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Developing Smart Agriculture, Helping Farmers Increase Incomes