RFI For Advanced 30,000 Lb-Thrust For Future Single-Aisle

Boeing issued a Request For Information to industry engine manufacturers for advanced ducted propulsion systems in the 30,000 lb-thrust sector that would be useful for powering a potential future single aisle replacement aircraft for the 737.

The company says it’s a part of its ongoing assessment of the latest state-of-the-art engine concepts as it reaffirms a steady preference for ducted propulsion systems rather than open rotor or open fan engines in its next-generation studies.

Boeing continues low-profile product development studies of a future 737 replacement in the 2030s and beyond.

Given the challenges associated with returning to financial health and production stability, the company has held off of new product launches in the near-to-mid-term but maintains assessments of technology capable of delivering efficiency improvements of at least 20% or better over the current 737 MAX family of aircraft.

The release of the RFI is consistent with statements by President and CEO Kelly Ortberg who recently said, “In terms of what’s next, I view it as different work streams: One: ‘When is the market ready?’ Two: ‘When is the technology ready?’ And three: ‘When are we ready and can financially handle that?’”

“We’re not ready on any of those work streams today, but we need to be when the market is ready for a new aircraft,” Ortberg said.

Boeing expects responses from Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and CFM, the last of which is a joint venture between General Electric and Safran.

FMI:  www.boeing.com/