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Boeing explains why its new plane has flat-bottomed engines

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Boeing explains why its new plane has flat-bottomed engines
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Webp b737
Boeing 737 MAX | Boeing

The Boeing 737 MAX, the latest in Boeing's line of single-aisle aircraft, has a distinct engine design compared to its predecessor, the 737 Next Generation (NG). The noticeable difference lies in the shape of the engine nacelles. The LEAP-powered MAX features a more flattened nacelle underside than the CFM56 engines used on the 737NG.

This design choice stems from fitting larger engines onto an airframe initially designed with shorter landing gear and closer ground proximity. The LEAP-1B engines on the 737 MAX have a fan diameter of 69 inches, which is eight inches wider than those on the NG series. This increased size improves fuel efficiency and emissions but reduces ground clearance.

The original 737 models were built for airports with limited infrastructure, featuring short landing gear and low-slung fuselages. As demand grew for better range and efficiency, Boeing introduced larger engines that required modifications to maintain ground clearance. This led to the non-circular nacelle profiles seen in subsequent models.

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Despite constraints, Boeing opted not to raise the overall height of the aircraft due to potential structural changes and certification complexities. Instead, they extended nose landing gear slightly and adjusted engine placement. This allowed them to certify the MAX as a derivative of previous models, speeding up market entry amid competition from Airbus's A320neo.

According to Safran, a partner in CFM International, "the LEAP-1B provides 737 MAX operators with a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to the previous generation engine." It also meets stringent noise standards while delivering lower NOx emissions.

However, changes in aerodynamic behavior necessitated additional systems like MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System) to address altered flight characteristics during high-angle climbs. Faulty data activation led to two fatal crashes involving Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. These incidents resulted in global grounding until software overhauls were completed.

Ultimately, modifying engine nacelles allowed integration of larger turbofans without extensive structural changes or re-certification complexity. Today, after overcoming initial setbacks, Boeing is set to certify final variants of this series.

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