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.
Nanjing Massacre victims remembered ahead of Qingming Festival
Convicted scammer who victims say claimed to be a psychic, Irish heiress faces extradition to UK
USA Basketball finalizing Paris Olympics roster, AP sources say
How you CAN go on safari on a budget: From gorillas in Uganda to South African elephants
Pressure builds on Israel, Hamas to reach Gaza cease
USA Basketball finalizing Paris Olympics roster, AP sources say
OJ Simpson was chilling with a beer on a couch before Easter, lawyer says
Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai producing. An election nigh. ‘Suffs’ has timing on its side
Two Iraqi military bases bombed by unknown aircraft near Baghdad
Nathan MacKinnon races to career season, looks to power Colorado Avalanche on another title run
You don't need great legs, good skin
Olympic champion Suni Lee back in form after debilitating kidney ailment