Boeing runs computer model of 787 assembly

Boeing runs computer model of 787 assembly

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Story Published: Dec 6, 2006 at 5:43 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 6, 2006 at 7:38 PM PDT

By April Zepeda

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Boeing is showing off its highly anticipated Dreamliner before it's even finished.

Still in development, the 787 Dreamliner is isn't scheduled to enter service until 2008, but Boeing held a "virtual roll out" on Wednesday.

"I have not ever seen a virtual roll out - I thought it was incredible," said Boeing Employee Kerri Harris.

The company made the presentation to a hundred customers and several hundred employees the assembly plant in Everett.

Boeing has developed a computerized simulation of the entire assembly process, which lets workers check for glitches before the parts are ever put together.

"Think about it - we're building wings in Japan and they have to meet the fuelselage coming from Italy," said Boeing employee, Dave Shogren. "That all has to come together the first time - in America."

Boeing's 787 is expected to be larger, cheaper to maintain, and more fuel efficient. It's already sold out through the year 2012. But a virtual roll out lets Boeing customers see the progress so far.

"We've literally gone from digital design to the start of producing the 787 airplane," Program Chief Mike Bair told customers.

This fall the company announced it would need to spend significantly more money to bring the Dreamliner's weight down by a several thousand pounds. But the company insists the plane will be ready on time. The real roll out is scheduled for next year in the summer.

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