V-Flyer

In the centrefold(!) of todays Guardian (the proper Manchester one) is a pic of a Dreamliner in the Boeing Factory during a 'wing up-bending (sic) test'

Can't find it on-line though at the moment but will post link when I do !

There is a great one here


Edited by Neil to shorten link

Thanks Crispin

Thats the pic in the Guardian.

Chris

I think that would be quite a scary sight when sitting inside the plane!

Crispin

PS. Thanks Neil - I was rushed for time when posting the link...

I consider myself a decent flyer, I don't get nervous/scared etc, infact I love the thrill of it all. I take an interest in how planes work and through FSX I have a fairly basic knowledge on flying... yet if I was sat in the plane and the wings were doing that, I think I might just have a heart attack!

I remember a diagram in my A-level Physics text book showing how much the wings could bend and retain structural integrity. I hope they can replace the diagram with that picture as it really illustrates how much tolerance is in wings and (touch wood) we never get near their limits.

Cool photo!

Ok, that's a picture of the wing load test, it has to go to 150% of it's normal bend without failing to pass.

Just a bit of info, but the 380 failed this test, but they were able to show that with a couple of small changes it would pass.

Another picture of the wing bending

LINK

The video of the first landing really showed the wing flex on this bird, the approach had a great view of the wing bend, when the spoilers came up they really unloaded and dropped quickly.

LINK