Why Boeing increased landing gear height on 737 MAX for new engine efficiency

Rather than redesigning the entire airframe—a costly move that would have required recertification and retraining—Boeing repositioned the engines higher and farther forward on the wing. This solution improved clearance but also changed how the aircraft handled during flight and required further adjustments.

The main structural change was an eight-inch extension of the nose landing gear compared to previous models like the 737 Next Generation series. This modification involved redesigning parts of the nose gear bay and updating components such as actuators and gear doors while keeping wheel size unchanged. The result is a slightly nose-up position when parked, which provides enough space for safe engine operation.

This change had several operational effects beyond just fitting larger engines. Pilots noticed altered sight lines from the cockpit during taxiing and takeoff, requiring minor procedural updates and additional simulator training for those transitioning from older models. Adjustments also affected flight control systems to ensure stable handling given new rotation angles and pitch sensitivity.

The raised gear contributed to measurable performance improvements: combined with aerodynamic updates, it helped make the MAX about 14% more fuel efficient than previous generations while improving climb performance and reducing noise emissions.

For airlines, these modifications offer greater flexibility by allowing operations at airports with uneven runways or less developed infrastructure thanks to improved ground clearance. This increases route options into secondary airports previously unsuitable for lower-slung aircraft.

While subtle in appearance—such as a taller stance at rest or different engine placement—the heightened landing gear reflects Boeing’s approach of balancing innovation with continuity in commercial aviation design.

"By raising the nose gear and repositioning the engines, [Boeing] managed to preserve the 737's core identity while pushing its capabilities into the modern era."

Ultimately, this adaptation illustrates how incremental changes can have broad impacts on performance, safety, and operational versatility within longstanding aircraft families.