On the move

Most people who drive along Highway 526 outside our Everett factory are used to seeing big airplanes. But probably not a giant autoclave.

The first autoclave for 777X wings heads for home at our new Everett composite wing center. Tim McGuire photo.

The first of three huge autoclaves, measuring 28 feet wide by 120 feet long, was moved on Wednesday night from a site adjacent to Paine Field en route to our new 777X Composite Wing Center. As it crossed the bridge over Highway 526, crews shut down the road temporarily to avoid any distractions.

It’s not officially on Boeing property until K9 officer Gizmo gives the all clear. Good dog Gizmo, good dog. Photo by Gail Hanusa.

Crossing the Highway 526 bridge to our Everett factory. Tim Stake photo.

This first autoclave was initially built vertically in 13 sections, called cans. The cans were then assembled into three towers measuring 40 feet tall. All three autoclaves will be the centerpiece of our new Composite Wing Center, a 1.3-million square foot facility that will be roughly the size of 25 football fields. The autoclaves will help us bake sections of the composite wings for the new 777X.

Talk about an oversize load! Gail Hanusa photo.