Boeing 737-800/900

Boeing's Next Generation 737-800 and 737-900 are the largest members of the strong selling 737 family. Unlike the other Next Generation 737s, the -800 and -900 introduce new fuselage lengths, extending 737 single class seating range out to 189, compared with 100 in the original 737-100.

Like the -600 and -700, the -800 and -900 feature the Next Generation improvements including more efficient CFM56-7B turbofans, the new wing with greater chord, span and wing area, larger tail surfaces and the 777 style EFIS flightdeck with six flat panel LCDs which can present information as on the 777 or as on the 737-300/400/500 series, the latter allowing a common pilot type rating for the two 737 families. A HUD is optional. BBJ style winglets are offered as an optional feature for the -800.

Until its launch on September 5, 1994 the 737-800 was known as the 737-400X Stretch. Compared with the -400 the -800 is 3.02m (9ft 9in) longer, taking typical two class seating from 146 to 162, while range is significantly increased. The -800 has sold strongly since its launch, and early 2002 was the highest selling Next Generation model. First flight was on July 31 1997, first delivery (to Hapag Lloyd) was in April 1998.

The largest single order for the -800 series has come from the Irish budget carrier, Ryanair. After 28 had already been ordered earlier, a firm order for 100 aircraft was made in January 2002, with an option of another 50, to be delivered over the next 8 years. Ryanair will use the aircraft in a single class configuration, to seat 189 passengers

A variant of the 737-800 is the Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2), which is described separately.

The 737-900 is the largest and latest member of the 737 family, and was launched on September 10, 1997 with an order for 10 from Alaska Airlines. A 1.57m (5ft 2in) plug forward of the wing and a 1.07m (3ft 6in) plug rear compared with the -800 increases seating to 177 in two classes (maximum seating is the same as the 737-800's due to emergency exit requirements). First flight was made August 3, 2000, and the first delivery (to Alaska Airlines) May 15, 2001.

Powerplants

737-800 - Two 107.6kN (24,200lb) CFM56-7B24s, or two 121.4kN (27,300lb) CFM56-7B27s on high gross weight versions.

737-900 - Two 117kN (26,300lb) CFM56-7B26s, or 121.4kN (27,300lb) or 121.4kN (27,300lb) CFM56-7B27s in high gross weight versions.

Performance

Typical cruising speed Mach 0.785. Max certificated altitude 41,000ft.

737-800 - Standard range with 162 passengers 3585km (1990nm) or 5445km (2940nm) for high gross weight version.

737-900 - Standard range with 177 passengers 3815km (2060nm), high gross weight version 5083km (2458nm).

Weights

737-800 - Operating empty 41,145kg (90,710lb), max takeoff 70,535kg (155,500lb), high gross weight max takeoff 79,015kg (174,200lb).

737-900 - Operating empty 42,493kg (93,680lb), max takeoff 74,840kg (164,000lb), high gross weight max takeoff 79,015kg (174,200lb).

Dimensions

737-800 - Wing span 34.31m (112ft 7in), length 39.47m (129ft 6in), height 12.55m (41ft 2in). Wing area 125.0m2 (1344sq ft).

737-900 - Same except length 42.11m (138ft 2in).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two.

737-800 - Typical two class seating for 162 with 12 first class passengers at four abreast and 91cm (36in) pitch and 150 economy class at six abreast and 81cm (32in) pitch. Max single class seating for 189 at 76cm (30in) pitch.

737-900 - Typical two class seating for 177, with 12 first class at four abreast and 91cm (36in) pitch, max seating for 189 in a single class at 81cm (32in) pitch.

Boeing 737-700/800 BBJ/BBJ2

The Boeing Business Jet - or BBJ - is a long range corporate jet development of the 737-700 and -800.

Boeing Business Jets is a joint venture formed by Boeing and General Electric in July 1996 to develop and market a corporate version of the popular 737 airliner, initially focusing on the 737-700 based BBJ (or 737-700 BBJ). The first BBJ rolled out from Boeing's Renton plant on August 11 1998 and flew for the first time on September 4 that year. On October 30 the US FAA awarded certification to the developed 737-700 airframe on which the BBJ is based. The first completed BBJ was delivered on September 4 1999.

The BBJ combines the Next Generation 737-700's airframe combined with the strengthened wing, fuselage centre section and landing gear of the larger and heavier 737-800, with three to 10 belly auxiliary fuel tanks. It features the Next Generation 737 advanced two crew six LCD screen EFIS avionics flightdeck, equipped with embedded dual GPS, TCAS, enhanced GPWS and Flight Dynamics head-up guidance system. Following their certification in September 2000, winglets became a standard option.

Boeing supplies unfurnished or 'green' BBJ airframes to DeCrane of Georgetown, Delaware for long range fuel tank installation. From DeCrane the BBJ is flown to a customer specified completion centre for interior fit-out and exterior painting.

On October 11, 1999 Boeing launched the BBJ2, based on the stretched 737-800 airframe, which is 5.84m (19ft 2in) longer than the BBJ, and is offering 25% greater cabin space (and 100% more baggage space), but has slightly reduced range. It is fitted with between three and seven auxiliary belly fuel tanks. The winglets are standard on this version. The first delivery was made on February 28, 2001.

Powerplants

Two 117.4kN (26,400lb) CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans.

Performance

BBJ - Max cruising speed Mach 0.82, normal cruising speed Mach 0.80, long range cruising speed Mach 0.79. Initial cruise altitude 38,000ft, max certificated altitude 41,000ft. Range with eight passengers 11,480km (6200nm), with 25 passengers 11,075km (5980nm), with 50 passengers 10,205km (5510nm).BBJ2 - Range with eight passengers 10,620km (5735nm), with 25 passengers 10,120km (5465nm), with 50 passengers 9,140km (4935nm).

Weights

BBJ - Typical operating empty 42,895kg (94,570lb), max takeoff 77,560kg (171,000lb).

BBJ2 - Typical operating empty 45,730kg (100,815lb), max takeoff 79,015kg (174,200lb).

Dimensions

BBJ - Wing span incl winglets 35.79m (117ft 5in), length 33.63m (110ft 4in), height 12.57m (41ft 3in). Wing area 125.0m2 (1345.5sq ft).BBJ2 - same except length 39,47m (129ft 6in), height 12.55m (41ft 2in).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two.

BBJ - Main cabin interiors to customer preference. Typical configuration includes a crew rest area, forward lounge, private suite with double bed and private bathroom facilities including shower, 12 first class sleeper seats at four abreast and 152cm (60in) pitch, and rear galley and bathroom facilities. Alternatively rear cabin can seat 24 passengers at two abreast and feature a conference area or exercise gym, or up to 63 passengers at six abreast.

Boeing 737-600/700

The 737-600 and -700 are the smaller members of Boeing's successful Next Generation 737-600/700/800/900 family.

Among the many changes, the Next Generation 737s feature more efficient CFM56-7B turbofans. The CFM56-7 combines the core of the CFM56-5 with the CFM56-3's low pressure compressor and a 1.55m (61in) fan. The 737's new wing has greater chord, span and wing area, while the tail surfaces are also larger. The 2.4m (8ft) high winglets first developed for the Boeing Business Jet development are now offered as an option on the 737-700 (and -800).

The new engines and wings allow the 737 to cruise at Mach 0.78 to Mach 0.80, while the larger wing allows greater fuel tankage and transcontinental USA range. Other features include a 777 style EFIS flightdeck with six flat panel LCDs which can be programmed to present information as on the 777 or as on the 737-300/400/500 series, allowing a common pilot type rating for the two 737 families.

The improved Next Generation Boeing 737 family (originally covered by the 737X designation) was launched in November 1993. The 737-700 was the first member of the new family to be developed, and is based on the 737-300, while the 737-600 is based on the 737-500.

The 737-700 rolled out on December 7 1996, was granted certification in November 1997 and entered service (with Southwest) the following month. The 737-600 was launched was launched on March 16 1996, first flew on January 22 1998 and entered service (with SAS) in September that year.

The Boeing Business Jet or BBJ (described separately) is based on the fuselage of the 737-700 with the larger 737-800's wing.

The BBJ's airframe also forms the basis for the convertible passenger/freighter variant of the 700, the 737-700QC, which has been ordered by the US Navy as the C-40A Clipper (to replace the DC-9 based C-9B). The C-40 first flew on April 17 2000. The naval aircraft can be converted to carry 121 passengers, or 3 pallets of cargo plus 70 passengers, or 8 pallets of cargo only. These aircraft are currently (2002) based at Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Texas (VR-59) and Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida (VR-58).

The US Air Force has bought two ex-Fordair BBJs, which are designated C-40B.

Powerplants

737-600 - Two 86.7kN (19,500lb) CFM56-7B18 turbofans, or 101kN (22,700lb) CFM56-7B22s on high gross weight version. 737-700 - Two 91.6kN (20,600lb) CFM56-7B20s or 101kN (22,700lb) CFM56-7B24s on HGW version.

Performance

Typical cruising speed Mach 0.785. Max certificated altitude 41,000ft. 737-600 - Range with 110 pax 2480km (1340nm) or 5648km (3050nm) for HGW version. 737-700 - Range with 126 pax 2852km (1540nm) or 6037km (3260nm) for HGW version.

Weights

737-600 - Operating empty 37,104kg (81,800lb), max takeoff 56,245kg (124,000lb), HGW max takeoff 65,090kg (143,500lb). 737-700 - Operating empty 38,147kg (84,100lb), max takeoff 60,330kg (133,000lb), HGW MTOW 70,080kg (154,500lb).

Dimensions

737-600 - Wing span 34.31m (112ft 7in), length 31.24m (102ft 6in), height 12.57m (41ft 3in). Wing area 125.0m2 (1344sq ft).

737-700 - Same except length 33.63m (110ft 4in), height 12.55m 41ft 2in).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. 737-600 - 110 passengers in two classes or 132 in a single class. 737-700 - 126 in two classes or 149 in a single class.

Boeing 737-500

The 737-500 is the shortest and smallest member of the second generation 737-300/-400/-500 family, and the last to be developed.

When the new stretched 737-300 first appeared it was intended to supplement, rather than replace, the 737-200. However the evolution of the 737-300 into a family of models led to the development of a new model comparable in size to the 737-200, but offering better fuel economy and extensive commonality with the 737-300 and -400 models. This was the 737-500, known before its May 1987 formal launch as the 737-1000.

Like the preceding 737-300 and 737-400, the 737-500 is powered by CFM International CFM56s turbofans, in this case either 82.3kN (18,500lb) CFM563B1s or 89.0kN (20,000lb) CFM56-3C-1s. All three second generation 737 models share extensive systems and structure commonality, and a common aircrew type rating. These benefits offer real cost savings to an airline with two or more variants of the family in its fleet.

The 737-500 is 31.01m (101ft 9in) in length, comparable to the 737-200's 30.53m (100ft 2in) length, and as such is a viable direct replacement for the earlier type. Like the 300 and 400, a higher gross weight longer range version is offered, featuring auxiliary fuel tanks and uprated engines.

The 737-500's first flight occurred on June 30 1989, FAA certification was awarded on February 12 1990, with service entry later that same month.

The 737-500's main appeal is for operators of large 737-400 and 737-300 fleets, as because the 500 is a shortened development of the 300, it still carries much of the structural weight needed for the higher weight models. This makes it less efficient than if it was designed specifically for its size category, however for operators of large 737-300/400 fleets, the extensive commonality benefits more than compensate for this.

Powerplants

Two 82.3kN (18,500lb) CFM International CFM563B1 turbofans, or 89.0kN (20,000lb) CFM56-3C-1s.

Performance

Max cruising speed 912km/h (492kt), economical cruising speed 795km/h (430kt). Standard range with max passengers 2815km (1520nm), higher gross weight option range with max passengers 4444km (2400nm).

Weights

Operating empty (standard and high gross weight models) 31,983kg (70,510lb), standard max takeoff 52,390kg (115,500lb), high gross weight max takeoff 60,555kg (133,500lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 28.88m (94ft 9in), length 31.01m (101ft 9in), height 11.13m (36ft 6in). Wing area 105.4m2 (1135sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Typical two class seating for 108 (eight first and 100 economy), or max single class seating for 132 at 76cm (30in) pitch.

Boeing 737-400

Boeing announced it was developing a new higher capacity version of the fast selling 737-300 in June 1986.

The new aeroplane, the 737-400, was developed as a 150 seat class 727 replacement. Although Boeing had initially developed the 180 to 200 seat 757 to replace the successful 727, there still existed a considerable market for a near direct size replacement for the popular trijet. By developing the 737-400 as a minimum change stretch of the 737-300, Boeing was also able to offer considerable commonality, and thus cost, benefits to operators already with the 737-300, and to a lesser extent, the 737-200 in their fleets.

The major change of the 737-400 over the smaller 300 is a 3.05m (10ft 0in) fuselage stretch, consisting of a 1.83m (6ft 0in) stretch forward and a 1.22m (4ft 0in) plug rear of the wing. The stretch increases maximum passenger seating to 188. To cope with the increased weights, more powerful CFM56s are fitted. Other changes are minor, such as a tail bumper fitted to protect against over rotation at takeoff, something that could have become a problem due to the increased fuselage length.

A higher gross weight longer range version is offered. It features increased fuel capacity, and strengthened undercarriage and structures, but is otherwise identical to the standard 737-400.

The first flight of the 737-400 occurred on February 19 1988 and it entered airline service in October that year with Piedmont. Of the 737-300/-400/-500 family the 400 has proven the most successful member behind the 300, its larger capacity and transcontinental US range meaning it has found a very useful market for Boeing as a 727 replacement. However the 737-400 does face stiff competition from the similar size Airbus A320, which has higher levels of technology, longer range and is faster (but is also heavier).

Powerplants

Two 97.9kN (22,000lb) CFM International CFM563B2 turbofans, or optionally 104.5kN (23,500lb) CFM563C1s.

Performance

Max cruising speed 912km/h (492kt), long range cruising speed 813km/h (439kt). Standard version range with max payload 4005km (2160nm), typical range with 146 passengers 3630km (1960nm). High gross weight option range with 146 passengers 3850km (2080nm).

Weights

Standard version operating empty 34,564kg (76,200lb), max takeoff 62,820kg (138,500lb). High gross weight operating empty 34,827kg (76,780lb), max takeoff 68,040kg (150,000lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 28.88m (94ft 9in), length 36.45m (119ft 7in), height 11.13m (36ft 6in). Wing area 105.4m2 (1135sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Typical two class seating for 146 (eight premium, 138 economy), typical all economy for 159 at 81cm (32in) pitch, or max seating for 188.

Boeing 737-300

The 737-300 is the first of the three member second generation CFM56 powered 737 family, which also comprises the stretched 737-400 and shortened 737-500. The success of the second generation Boeing 737 family pushed sales of the mark to over 3000, a record for a commercial jetliner.

Boeing announced it was developing the 737-300 in March 1981. This new variant started off as a simple stretch over the 737-200 but Boeing decided to adopt the CFM International CFM56 high bypass turbofan (jointly developed by General Electric and SNECMA) to reduce fuel consumption and comply with the then proposed International Civil Aviation Organisation Stage 3 noise limits.

Despite the all new engines and the 2.64m (104in) fuselage stretch, the 737-300 retains 80% airframe spares commonality and shares the same ground handling equipment with the 737-200. A number of aerodynamic improvements were incorporated to further improve efficiency including modified leading edge slats and a new dorsal fin extending from the tail. Another feature was the flattened, oval shaped engine nacelles, while the nosewheel leg was extended to increase ground clearance for the new engines. Other internal changes include materials and systems improvements first developed for the 757 and 767 programs, including an early generation EFIS flightdeck (with four colour CRT screens).

The 737-300 flew for the first time on February 24 1984, while first deliveries were from November 1984. Since that time well over 1000 737-300s have been sold and it forms the backbone of many airlines' short haul fleets.

The stretched 737-400 and shortened 737-500 are described separately.

Powerplants

Two 89.0kN (20,000lb) CFM International CFM563B1 turbofans, or optionally two 97.9kN (22,000lb) CFM563B2s.

Performance

Max cruising speed 908km/h (491kt), long range cruising speed 794km/h (429kt). Range with 128 passengers and standard fuel 3362km (1815nm), range with 128 pax and max fuel 4973km (2685nm). High gross weight version max range 6300km (3400nm) with 140 passengers.

Weights

Operating empty 32,881kg (72,490lb), standard max takeoff 56,740kg (124,500lb), high gross weight option 62,823kg (138,500lb).

Dimensions

Wing span 28.88m (94ft 9in), length 33.40m (109ft 7in), height 11.13m (36ft 6in). Wing area 105.4m2 (1135sq ft).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two. Typical two class seating for 128 (eight premium class four abreast and 120 economy class six abreast), standard one class seating for 141 at six abreast and 81cm (31in) pitch, max seating for 149 at 76cm (30in) pitch.

Boeing 737-100/200

The 737-100 and 200 are the first generation production models of the world's most successful jet airliner family, Boeing's 737 twinjet.

The 737 was conceived as a short range small capacity airliner to round out the Boeing jet airliner family beneath the 727, 720 and 707. Announced in February 1965, the 737 was originally envisioned as a 60 to 85 seater, although following consultation with launch customer Lufthansa, a 100 seat design was settled upon. Design features included two underwing mounted turbofans and 60% structural and systems commonality with the 727, including the same fuselage cross section (making it wider than the competing five abreast DC-9 and BAC-111).

The 737-100 made its first flight on April 9 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa, while the last of 30 built was delivered to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in October 1969.

By this time however the larger capacity 1.93m (6ft 4in) stretched 737-200 was in service after it had made its first flight on August 8 1967. First delivery, to United, was that December.

Developments of the -200 include the -200C convertible and quick change -200QC, while an unprepared airfield kit was also offered. The definitive Advanced 737-200 appeared in 1971, featuring minor aerodynamic refinements and other improvements.

Sales of the 737-200 far exceeded that of the shorter -100 and the 737-200 remained in production until 1988, by which time it had been superseded by the improved 737-300, after 1114 had been built. Many have been fitted with Stage 3 engine hushkits, and a number of passenger aircraft have been converted with cargo doors.

The USAF ordered 19 as navigation trainers, and some were later converted to standard transport aircraft as CT-43A. A few other air forces received 737-200s to serve in general transport, surveillance or VIP transport tasks.

Powerplants

737-100 - Two 62.3kN (14,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 turbofans. 737-200 - Two 64.5kN (14,500lb) JT8D-9As, or two 68.9kN (15,500lb) JT8D-15s, or two 71.2kN (16,000lb) JT8D-17s, or two 77.4kN (17,400lb) JT8D-17Rs with automatic reverse thrust.

Performance

737-100 - Max speed 943km/h (509kt), economical cruising speed 852km/h (460kt). Range with max fuel 2855km (1540nm).737-200 - Max speed 943km/h (509kt), max cruising speed 927km/h (500kt), economical cruising speed 796km/h (430kt). Range with 115 passengers and reserves between 3520km (1900nm) and 4260km (2300nm) depending on weight options and engines.

Weights

737-100 - Empty 25,878kg (57,000lb), max takeoff 49,940kg (110,000lb). 737-200 - Operating empty 27,448kg (60,600lb), max takeoff 52,390kg (115,500lb), or optionally 58,740kg (129,500lb).

Dimensions

737-100 - Wing span 28.35m (93ft 0in), length 28.67m (94ft 0in), height 11.29m (37ft 0in). Wing area 91.1m2 (980sq ft).737-200 - Same except for length 30.53m (100ft 2in).

Capacity

Flightcrew of two.

737-100 - Typical single class seating for 100. 737-200 - Typical single class seating for 115, max seating for 130 at 74cm (29in) pitch.737-200C/QC payload 15,545kg (34,270lb), consisting of pallets or containers.