Boeing announced that the 777-9 has successfully completed the Rejected Takeoff (RTO) test, one of the key milestones in the aircraft’s certification process. According to the company, the test demonstrated that the aircraft can safely come to a stop from high speed at its maximum takeoff weight of 775,000 pounds.
During the test conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, the 777-9 accelerated to approximately 190 knots before the takeoff was aborted. The aircraft was brought to a complete stop using only the braking system, without the use of thrust reversers. Boeing stated that brake temperatures exceeded 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit during the process.
The maximum brake energy test is considered one of the most critical steps in the certification of the 777-9. According to a Reuters report last month, the Federal Aviation Administration had advanced the 777-9 program to the fourth phase of certification.
