Boeing Leans Further Toward 737 Replacement than an upgrade.

[straitman]

Boeing Leans Further Toward 737 Replacement


Feb 11, 2011 By Guy Norris

In what is being viewed as the clearest indication yet of Boeing’s determination to forego re-engining the 737 in favor of an all-new design, CEO James McNerney says product development studies point increasingly to a clean-sheet replacement design for entry-into-service around 2020.

Speaking yesterday at the Cowen and Company Aerospace and Defense Conference in New York, McNerney said that although Boeing is “not done evaluating this whole situation yet … our current bias is to not re-engine [but] to move to an all-new airplane at the end of the decade, or the beginning of the next decade.”

McNerney reinforces signals that came early as July 2010 that Boeing’s preference is increasingly swinging toward a full-up replacement for the single-aisle market, despite the pressure exerted on its product development strategy by Airbus’s recent launch of the re-engined A320NEO (new engine option).

 

[docjames]

The risk here for boeing is of course, the second they're "locked-in" to their final design, airbus can then do a clean sheet design replacement for the A320neo and render it obsolete, and boeing risk losing forward market share (A340 vs 777).

An interesting factor is the airlines that have such huge fleets of A320 or 737s, it'd be a huge deal to switch, you wonder how many "gain" sales other than replacement of older 737s they'll make out of this. Or vice-versa, which may protect boeing from a clean-sheet A320.

Will be interesting to see where they go.

Of note: Boeing have registered a "narrow-body" 2-3-2 seating arrangement (weirdly). Note sure how that'll work (probably by not being "narrow" body.)

I for one am excited to see what Boeing will finally lock in - the A320neo just isnt that exciting (but worthwhile for airlines nonetheless due to fuel burn savings).

The other factor will be a generational leap in engine tech, and whether that will lead to a significant leap in time for the clean sheet 737 or not until c-s 320.

Interesting times......

 

[Sprucegoose]

The replacement decision for the most successful jet series is not an easy call!! Make or break.

I think the new 747-8 is an easy option for many airlines in terms of service, certifications and training etc. I hope it is a success.

 

[codash1099]

Boeing have a bit of difficulty re-engining the 737. It's an old (very) design and sits quite low to the ground compared to the A320. That means a total redesign of the landing gear to accommodate the fatter engines.

 

[straitman]

Boeing have a bit of difficulty re-engining the 737. It's an old (very) design and sits quite low to the ground compared to the A320. That means a total redesign of the landing gear to accommodate the fatter engines.

Why would you need fatter engines :?:

 

[NM]

Why would you need fatter engines :?:

I can only assume the reference was about installing engines with larger diameter fans for greater efficiency. Does higher bypass ratio require a larger diameter?

 

[tuppaware]

I can only assume the reference was about installing engines with larger diameter fans for greater efficiency. Does higher bypass ratio require a larger diameter?

Yes. The current problem is that to make the current engines fit they had to move the gearbox to the side and have the engine forward of the wing. I think the problem with changing the engine is fitting it in being so low to the ground they cant change many systems. Unless they totally change the the undercarriage - I can see a smaller version of the 787 maybe?

I think boeing understands that they cant get much more of the 40-50 year old design.

 

[codash1099]

Why would you need fatter engines :?:

Probably in line with the average American waistline

 

[straitman]

Yes. The current problem is that to make the current engines fit they had to move the gearbox to the side and have the engine forward of the wing. I think the problem with changing the engine is fitting it in being so low to the ground they cant change many systems.

Just for information. It is relatively common in aviation to do this sort of thing between different models and/or aircraft.

One of the more common ones is the C130 Hercules and the P3 Orion. Which one has the engine upside down :?: