Boeing is still awaiting clearance to begin official FAA certification flight testing. When it starts, trials of the 777-9's GE9X engines will be involved as well. That work will be done by WH003.
Advanced Flight Deck
Among the 777-9's features for pilots--the ability to mirror a portable electronic flight bag display on a screen between the pilots. Green borders on such displays signify any data is connected to the airplane.
More Flight Deck Capability
When they enter the 777-9 flight deck, pilots find several new features, including touchscreen displays that support multiple touch points.
Water For Ballast
Part of the flight-test process includes operating with different aircraft parameters. Water transferred between these tanks changes the aircraft's center of gravity.
Incomplete Interior
Flight test aircraft are often later sold to customers once all testing is complete. This means interiors are partially installed so they can later be tailored to meet a customer's requirements.
Folding Wingtips
The 777-9's signature feature is its folding wingtips. They allow designers to have the long wingspan that helps the aircraft fly more efficiently while ensuring the aircraft can fit into widebody airport gates.
Increased Visibility
On most aircraft, pilots cannot see their landing gear. Not so on the 777, which is equipped with ground movement assistance cameras that pilots can use to see around and beneath them.
A Little Protection
Tail strikes are part of the Velocity Minimum Unstick test. This orange device ensures such mishaps prevent damage to the fuselage.
The 777-9 is making its Paris Air Show debut this year. Boeing brought WH001, one of four aircraft in the 777-9 certification program.
