| Boeing 737 MAX | |
|---|---|
| Artist's conception of the Boeing 737 MAX | |
| Role | Narrow-body jet airliner |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Boeing Commercial Airplanes |
| Introduction | 2017 (scheduled) |
| Status | Under development |
| Unit cost | 737-7: US$77.7 million [1] 737-8: US$95.2 million [1] 737-9: US$101.7 million [1] |
| Developed from | Boeing 737 Next Generation |
The Boeing 737 MAX is a new family of aircraft being developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes to replace the Boeing 737 Next Generation family. The primary change will be 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.
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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 2010, Airbus launched the Airbus A320neo, a single-aisle jet aircraft which incorporated a new engine to improve fuel burn and operating efficiency. The decision was met with positive reaction by many airlines, which began making major orders for the improved aircraft, notably from AirAsia and IndiGo.[4][5][6] This put pressure on Boeing and on August 30, 2011, Boeing's board of directors approved the Boeing 737 MAX project. Boeing claims the 737 MAX will provide a 16% lower fuel burn than the current Airbus A320, and 4% lower than the Airbus A320neo.[7] The first of new variant is scheduled to be delivered in 2017.[7]
The three variants of the new family are the 737 MAX 7, the 737 MAX 8 and the 737 MAX 9, which are based on the 737-700, −800 and −900ER, respectively[8] which are the best selling versions of the 737 Next Generation family.[9] Boeing has stated that the fuselage lengths and door configurations from the Boeing 737 Next Generation family will be retained on the 737 MAX variants.
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.[10][11] On December 13, 2011, Southwest Airlines announced they would be the launch customer for the 737 MAX with a firm order of 150 aircraft and 150 options.[12] In December 2011, Boeing has 948 commitments and firm orders from 13 customers for the 737 MAX.[13][14]
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. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO, Jim 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.[15] Both fan diameters are an increase from the 61.8 in (157 cm) CFM56-7B engine on the Boeing 737 Next Generation. The updated jet 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 under way to revise the tail cone, natural laminar flow nacelle and a hybrid laminar flow vertical stabilizer for additional fuel burn and drag reduction.[16]
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.[17][18] Firm configuration for the 737 MAX is currently scheduled for 2013.[19]
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 blended winglets.[20]
The manufacturer plans no modification in the flight deck as it wants to maintain commonality with the 737 Next Generation family. Boeing also plans to add more fly-by-wire systems to the 737 MAX family, although Albaugh said that changes would be "very minimal." Boeing has confirmed that fly-by-wire will be added to the spoilers.[19]
| Orders | Deliveries | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Total | Backlog | Total | 2011 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 737 MAX (All variants) | 150 | 150 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 150 | 150 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Sources: Boeing[14]
Boeing 737 MAX on NewAirplane.com
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