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Boeing 737 MAX

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For other 737 variants, see Boeing 737, Boeing 737 Classic, and Boeing 737 Next Generation.
Boeing 737 MAX
Model of the Boeing 737 MAX at ILA Berlin 2012
Role Narrow-body twin-engine jet airliner
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Introduction 2017 (scheduled, with Southwest Airlines)
Status Under development
Produced 2015-Present
Number built Building 1 Prototype
Developed from Boeing 737 Next Generation

The Boeing 737 MAX is a family of aircraft being developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The new family is based on the Boeing 737 Next Generation family, which it is to replace. It will be the fourth generation of the 737 family. The primary change is the use of the larger and more efficient CFM International LEAP-1B engines. The airframe is to receive some modifications as well. The 737 MAX is scheduled for first delivery in 2017, 50 years after the 737 first flew. Boeing has firm orders for the 737 MAX totaling 2,869 as of September 2015.[1]

Development

Since 2006, Boeing has discussed replacing the 737 with a "clean-sheet" design (internally named "Boeing Y1") that could follow the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.[2] A decision on this replacement was postponed, and delayed into 2011.[3] In November 2014, it was reported that Boeing intends to replace the 737 by 2030 with a new airplane, possibly with a composite airframe.[4]

In 2010, Airbus launched the Airbus A320neo with new engines to improve fuel burn and operating efficiency; it was initially planned to enter service by mid-2016, later moved up to October 2015.[5] The decision was met with positive reaction by many airlines, which began making major orders for the improved aircraft.[6][7][8] Pressure from the airlines for more fuel efficient aircraft caused Boeing to pursue upgrading the 737 with new engines instead of the new Boeing Y1 design.[9] On August 30, 2011, the company's board of directors approved the 737 MAX project. Boeing predicted that the 737 MAX will provide a 16% lower fuel burn than the current Airbus A320, and 4% lower than the Airbus A320neo.[10] Boeing expects the 737 MAX to meet or exceed the range of the Airbus A320neo.[11] The first 737 MAX aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.[10]

There are three main variants of the new family, the 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 which are based on the 737-700, -800 and -900ER, respectively,[12] the best-selling versions of the 737 Next Generation family.[1] Boeing has stated that the fuselage lengths and door configurations from the Boeing 737 Next Generation family will be retained on the first three 737 MAX variants. On July 23, 2013, Boeing announced it completed the firm configuration for the 737 MAX 8.[13] In December 2013, Boeing stated that a recent internal audit forecasts a 14% lower fuel burn than current 737NG series aircraft.[14] In September 2014, Boeing launched a high density version of the 737 MAX 8, named the 737 MAX 200. The MAX 200 is named for its seating for up to 200 passengers in a single-class high-density configuration with slimline seats. An extra exit door is required because of the higher passenger capacity. Three of eight galley trolleys[15] are removed to accommodate more passenger space.[16] Boeing states that this version will be 20% more cost efficient per seat than current 737 models, and will be the most efficient narrow body on the market when delivered, including 5% lower operating costs than the 737 MAX 8.[17]

Boeing has increased 737 production to 42 per month in 2014, and plans to increase rates to 47 per month in 2017 and 52 per month in 2018.[18][19]

The first 737 MAX fuselage completed assembly at Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, Kansas on August 13, 2015. It will be for a test 737 MAX and eventually delivered to launch customer Southwest Airlines.[20]

Spirit Aerosystems manufactures the 737 MAX's thrust reversers. A shortage of a critical component for the thrust reverser has developed; supplier GKN PLC has had difficulty producing the titanium honeycomb inner wall. While early test components met Boeing's specifications, GKN is unable to ramp up production, threatening Boeing's goal of producing up to 52 MAX versions per month by 2020.[21]

Customers

See also: List of Boeing 737 MAX orders, History of orders

Initially, the customers for the 737 MAX were not disclosed, except for American Airlines. On November 17, 2011, Boeing released the names of two other customers – Lion Air and Aviation Capital Group. At that time, Boeing reported 700 commitments from 9 customers for the 737 MAX.[22][23] On December 13, 2011, Southwest Airlines announced they would be the launch customer for the 737 MAX with a firm order of 150 aircraft with 150 options; deliveries are to begin in 2017.[24]

By December 2011, Boeing had 948 commitments and firm orders from 13 customers for the 737 MAX.[25][26] On September 8, 2014, Ryanair signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase up to 200 new Boeing 737 MAX 200 "gamechanger" aircraft - comprising 100 firm orders and 100 options.[27]

Design

As production standard, the 737 MAX will feature the Boeing Sky Interior with overhead bins and LED lighting based on the Boeing 787's interior, as well as winglets.[28]

Improving fuel efficiency

Boeing's design improves fuel efficiency in a number of ways. The most significant improvements are to the wing, the interface of wing and engine, and the use of winglets. The 737NG's wing creates transonic shock waves on the inboard wing at the interface with the CFM-56-7B engine. The 737 MAX wing's integration of the Leap engine's nacelle reduces this drag by 0.5%. In addition, the Leap engine is mounted higher and farther forward of the wing's leading edge than the CFM-56-7B is on the 737NG's wing.

Boeing's new "split tip" winglet on the 737 MAX

The 737 MAX is to introduce Boeing's Advanced Technology Winglet featuring a split tip. Boeing designed the device to maximize lift specifically on airplanes with wingspans that fit airport gates dimensioned to ICAO Annex 14 code letter C. The device is a direct descendant of the winglet designed for the McDonnell Douglas MD-12. Resembling a three-way hybrid between a blended winglet, wingtip fence, and raked wingtip, Boeing states that this new design should deliver an additional 1.5% improvement in fuel economy over the 10–12% improvement already expected for the 737 MAX. Aviation Partners Boeing is offering a similar "Split-Tip Scimitar" winglet for previous 737NG models.[29][30] The fuel savings could be even higher if a laminar flow surface treatment being applied meets expectations. Boeing stated in 2013 that the 737-8 MAX with the new winglet can have a 1.8% better fuel burn than a blended winglet-equipped aircraft on flights of 3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km) with 162 passengers. The advantage increases with flight length, but a short flight of 500 nmi (930 km) has a 1% lower fuel burn with the aircraft flying at Mach 0.79.[31]

Flight deck and flight controls

Boeing plans no major modifications for the 737 Max flight deck, as it wants to maintain commonality with the 737 Next Generation family. The 737 Max will, however, feature four new large-format display screens supplied by Rockwell Collins. These are 15.1-inch (380 mm) landscape LCD displays, in use on the 787 Dreamliner, that will increase pilots' situational awareness and efficiency. Boeing also plans to add more fly-by-wire control systems to the 737 MAX family, although Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Jim Albaugh said that changes would be "very minimal." Boeing has confirmed that fly-by-wire controls will be added to the spoilers.[32][33]

Engines

Main article: CFM International LEAP

Boeing spent most of 2011 evaluating two fan diameters of the CFM International Leap-1B engine: 66.1 in (168 cm) or 68.1 in (173 cm), both of which would require few changes to the landing gear to maintain a 16.9 in (42.9 cm) ground clearance beneath the engines. Albaugh stated the larger fan diameter would produce less fuel burn, but because it is bigger, it produces more drag and is heavier, and would need more extensive airframe changes.[34]

Both fan diameters are an increase from the 61.8 in (157 cm) CFM56-7B engine on the Boeing 737 Next Generation. The updated airliner is also expected to feature external nacelle chevrons for noise reduction, similar to those on the 787 and 747-8. While the smaller Leap-1B engine would have a lower bypass ratio and higher specific fuel consumption (SFC) than the baseline 78 in (198 cm) Leap-X and 80.7 in (205 cm) Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine options for the A320neo, the smaller engine will weigh less and create less drag on the airframe. The 66.1 in (168 cm) engine integrated on the airframe would offer an SFC improvement of 10–12% over the current 737NG CFM56-7B engine. Industry sources report that assessments are underway to revise the tail cone, natural laminar flow nacelle and a hybrid laminar flow vertical stabilizer for additional fuel burn decrease and drag reduction.[35]

In November 2011, Boeing announced the selection of the 68.1 in (173 cm) fan diameter. Because of the larger fan diameter compared to the 737 Next Generation family, the nose landing gear will have to be lengthened by 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) to maintain the required ground clearance.[36][37] Firm configuration for the 737 MAX is currently scheduled for 2013.[38] On May 17, 2012, Boeing announced a further modification to the fan diameter with an increase to 69.4 inches (176 cm). The larger fan will be paired with a smaller engine core than previously identified as part of a series of minor design changes before the final configuration is set in mid-2013.[39]

There will also be a new digital regulator for the engine bleed air systems which should improve its reliability.[40]

Variants

  • 737 MAX 7 – Replacement for the 737-700 and 737-700ER; first variant developed in the 737 MAX series.
  • 737 MAX 8 – Replacement for the 737-800; longer fuselage than the -700/MAX 7
    • 737 MAX 200 – A version of the 737 MAX 8 with higher density seating.[41][42]
  • 737 MAX 9 – Replacement for the 737-900/-900ER; longer fuselage than the -800/MAX 8

Orders and deliveries

Main article: List of Boeing 737 MAX orders

The 737 MAX has firm orders totaling 2,869 as of September 30, 2015.[1]

Specifications

Boeing 737 MAX design specifications
737 MAX 7 737 MAX 8/
MAX 200 		737 MAX 9
Seating capacity 149 (1-class, dense)
140 (1-class, typical)
126 (2-class, typical)		 200 (1-class, MAX 200)
175 (1-class, typical)
162 (2-class, typical)		 220 (1-class, dense)
192 (1-class, typical)
180 (2-class, typical)
Seat pitch 29 in (74 cm) (1-class, high density)
32 in (81 cm) (1-class, typical)
36 in (91 cm) & 32 in (81 cm) (2-class, typical)
Overall length 110 ft 5 in  (33.7 m) 129 ft 8 in  (39.5 m) 138 ft 4 in  (42.2 m)
Wingspan 117 ft 10 in  (35.9 m)
Overall height 40 ft 4 in  (12.3 m)
Cruising speed Mach 0.79 (522 mph, 842 km/h)
Maximum takeoff weight 159,400 lb  (72,303 kg) 181,200 lb  (82,191 kg) 194,700 lb  (88,314 kg)
Cargo capacity 966 ft³  (27.3 m³) 1,555 ft³  (44 m³) 1,826 ft³  (51.7 m³)
Range fully loaded 3,800 nmi (7,038 km) 3,620 nmi (6,704 km) 3,595 nmi (6,658 km)
Engine (× 2) CFM International LEAP-1B
Fan tip diameter 69.4 in (1.76 m)

Sources: 737 MAX specifications[43][44][45][46]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b c "Boeing Commercial Airplanes – Orders and Deliveries – 737 Model Summary". boeing.com. Boeing. September 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2015.
  2. ^ "Boeing firms up 737 replacement studies by appointing team." Flight International, March 3, 2006. Retrieved April 13, 2008.
  3. ^ Hamilton, Scott. "737 decision may slip to 2011: Credit Suisse." Flightglobal, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  4. ^ Niles, Russ (November 9, 2014). "End Of The 737 By 2030?". Avweb. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  5. ^ A320neo entry advances to 2015 with PW as lead engine Flightglobal
  6. ^ "Airbus launches A320neo". Australia Aviation. December 1, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  7. ^ Bryan, Victoria; Jones, Rhys (June 23, 2011). "Airbus wins record $18 billion order from AirAsia". Reuters. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  8. ^ Rothman, Andrea; Wang, Jasmine (June 24, 2011). "AirAsia Tops IndiGo Record Order as Asia Dominates Air Show". Bloomberg. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  9. ^ O'Keeffe, Niall. "Caution welcomed: Boeing's 737 Max". Flight International, September 12, 2011.
  10. ^ a b "Boeing Launches 737 New Engine Family with Commitments for 496 Airplanes from Five Airlines". Boeing. August 30, 2011. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  11. ^ Ostrower, Jon. "Boeing says 737 MAX to meet or exceed A320neo range". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
  12. ^ Ostrower, Jon (August 30, 2011). "Boeing designates 737 MAX family". Air Transport Intelligence. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  13. ^ "Boeing Completes 737 MAX 8 Firm Configuration". Boeing, July 23, 2013.
  14. ^ Norris, Guy. "MAXimizing performance". Aviation Week and Space Technology, December 2, 2013, pp. 36-37.
  15. ^ Staff. "UPDATE 5-Ryanair buys 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets, sees fare price war". Reuters.
  16. ^ Gates, Dominic (September 8, 2014). "Ryanair makes big order for 737 MAX jets that can carry 200". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  17. ^ "Boeing Launches 737 MAX 200 with Ryanair". Boeing. September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
  18. ^ "Boeing to Increase 737 Production Rate to 52 per Month in 2018." Boeing., October 2, 2014. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  19. ^ "737 derailment probe 'suggests' track alignment issue." Flightglobal.com, November 5, 2014.
  20. ^ Siebenmark, Jerry (August 13, 2015). "Spirit AeroSystems completes first Boeing 737 MAX fuselage". Wichita Eagle. Retrieved August 13, 2015.
  21. ^ Ostrower, Jon. "Boeing scrambles to get key part", Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2015, pp. B1, B5.
  22. ^ "Lion Air commits to up to 380 Boeing 737s". November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
  23. ^ "ACG Becomes third identified 737 MAX customer". November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
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  29. ^ Matt Molnar (May 2, 2012). "Boeing Says Radical New Winglets on 737 MAX Will Save More Fuel". NYCAviation. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
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  31. ^ Norris, Guy. "Working winglet". Aviation Week and Space Technology, December 2, 2013, pp. 36-37.
  32. ^ Rockwell Collins, Rockwell Collins wins Boeing 737 MAX contract for large-format flight displays
  33. ^ Boeing 737 MAX Cockpit
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  35. ^ Ostrower, Jon (August 30, 2011). "More details emerge on configuration of re-engined 737". Flight International. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
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  37. ^ "Boeing Cites 600 Commitments For 737 MAX". Reuters. Airwise News. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
  38. ^ Ostrower, Jon (November 7, 2011). "Boeing completes initial review of 737 MAX configuration". Air Transport Intelligence. Retrieved November 7, 2011.
  39. ^ Ostrower, Jon (May 17, 2012). "Boeing Tweaks Engine for New 737 MAX". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  40. ^ Reed Business Information Limited. "Boeing locks in 737 Max 8 configuration". flightglobal.com. Retrieved April 1, 2015. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  41. ^ http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2014-12-01/ryanair-boeing-finalize-max-200-deal
  42. ^ http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2014-09-08-Boeing-Launches-737-MAX-200-with-Ryanair
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  44. ^ Flight, Boeing Defines the 737 MAX
  45. ^ 737 MAX characteristics. Boeing - newairplane.com
  46. ^ "Boeing To Expand 737 MAX Capacity to 200", airchive.com.

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