Would Eventually Replace The Workhorse 737

Aero-News April 1 Special Edition

Boeing Commercial Aircraft Corporation on April 1 announced a new clean-sheet design for a 737 replacement. It will feature a clean-wing design, with two engines placed at the rear of the fuselage.

Further engineering advances feature a T-tail, and a narrower fuselage cross section to improve fuel economy. Seating will be 3-2 in coach, and 2-2 in business class.

“It looks retro, but this is an entirely new airplane,” said a Boeing engineer who requested anonymity. “With newer fuel-efficient engines and other advances in aerodynamics, it’s going to fly further, faster on less fuel than anything previously designed.”

Other features include:

“Eyebrow” windows above the main windshield to provide for sextant-based navigation. BCAC says this is a safety backup to current satellite-based navigation systems.
Seats at the rear of the cabin feature a noise generator to allow for private conversation, and to drown out the sound of crying babies.
A built-in boarding ramp at the rear of the cabin. It will come from the assembly line already sealed off to comply with FAA regulations.
A passenger cabin PA system that emits a constant 400 Hz tone to alert the passengers of pending announcements.

The source said that the project has not yet been assigned an official 7-series number. It is known in-house as the MD-70, for Medium Distance, and 70 tons weight.

Manufacture of the new MD-70 is expected to take place in either Long Beach or Santa Monica California.

FMI: www.boeing.com