Thu, Nov 18, 2010
First Flights Conducted On A B737-800 Last Week
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.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]