Boeing

A worker in Wichita, Kan., is shown here machining the largest monolithic part ever fabricated at the site. The part, a three-bay piece for the raised cargo floor in 777-300ER's flight deck began as a 5,400-pound (2,449 kilograms) aluminum block. The finished part weighs about 250 pounds (113 kilograms) and is 118.5 inches (300 centimeters) long, 67.4 inches (171 centimeters) wide, and 5.5 inches (14 centimeters) thick. The new monolithic design significantly reduces the number of parts needed. Major assembly of the first 777-300ER begins June 20.