Boeing has announced the 787 aircraft’s composite fuselage barrel completed ultimate load testing, a key milestone on the path toward first flight.

The Chicago-based airframer’s engineers are now inspecting a barrel section that endured a “destruct-condition maneuver” beyond two and half times the force of gravity.

The engineering team is now analyzing test results, which included acoustic “popping and snapping” yet less visible destruction of the barrel than anticipated, Boeing says in a statement.

Despite completing the required test program for certification, Boeing plans to continue testing for “additional learning”. Also, more static testing on a full airplane structure is also required before first flight.

The 787’s all-composite fuselage composed of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material marks an all-new design feature fo

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