Certification flight testing has begun on a package of Boeing
737 performance improvements, including aerodynamic and engine
changes, which the company expects will reduce fuel consumption by
2 percent. Testing and certification will continue through April
2011. Boeing is phasing the changes into production mid-2011
through early 2012. The first test flight was conducted last week
on a Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 in the new United
Airlines livery.
One percent of the savings comes from reducing drag reduction.
The upper and lower anti-collision lights change from round to a
more aerodynamic, elongated teardrop shape. Wheel-well fairings are
re-contoured to smooth the air flow near the main landing gear. A
redesign of the environmental control system, exhaust vent and
streamlined wing slat and spoiler trailing edges round out the
aerodynamic changes.
CFM is introducing the new CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program
to coincide with Boeing's airframe changes. Low- and high-pressure
turbine modifications will result in a 1 percent reduction in fuel
consumption. In addition, Boeing is optimizing the engine's primary
nozzle and plug. Together, the changes result in cooler-running
engines that may provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance
costs.
Boeing says its continuous efforts to improve the
Next-Generation 737 family have resulted in an accumulated 5
percent gain in fuel efficiency since the first airplane was
delivered in 1998. It claims the new improvements will give
operators an airplane that is 7 percent more efficient than the
first Next-Generation 737s delivered.
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