what's the difference?

[Flying Illini]

Can someone describe to me the differences between all of the 737's? I don't necessarily need the difference between a -200 and a -500 but more specifically, what's the NG model all about?

 

[FracCapt]

Check out Boeings website for some info.

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/737family/ngback/index.html

This starts at 'Background' on the left....click on the links below that for more info.

 

[Metro752]

the NG model is like Star Trek. Pecan's ship had more bells n whistles than Spaks

 

[mzaharis]

Here's a great timeline for the 737 that answers your question. The 600, 700, 800, and 900 models constitute the NG line. "Classics" refer to the 300, 400, and 500.

http://www.b737.org.uk/history.htm

From that site:

http://www.b737.org.uk/737-ngs.jpgThe Boeing 737-X programme was launched on 29 June 1993, with a 63 aircraft order from Southwest Airlines for the 737-300X. This became the 737-700, 22cm (9in) longer than the original 737-300, seating up to 149. The main differences of the 737 Next Generation (NG) are as follows:

• Performance: Faster cruise M0.78, Higher ceiling 41,000ft, Lower take-off & approach speeds, Higher MTOW, lower fuel burn.
• Engines: FADEC controlled CFM56-7, 2.5deg nozzle tilt, redesigned struts, improved nacelles with increased airflow and improved noise treatment, 7% more fuel efficient than CFM56-3.
• Fuselage: Strengthened for increased tail loads and design weights, new wing-body strake.
• Wings: New airfoil section, 25% increase in area, 107" semi-span increase, 17" chord increase, raked wing-tip, larger inspar wingbox with machined ribs.
• Fuel Tanks: Main tanks smaller at 3900kg each but centre tank much larger giving total fuel capacity of 20,800kg. (compared to 16,200kg on classics).
• Tail: 4ft 8in taller, 60 sq ft root insert, modified rudder, segmented rudder seals, digital yaw damper.
• Flight Controls: Increased elevator PCU capability, aileron and tab span increase, new double slotted continuous span flaps, new leading edge Krueger flaps, additional slat, additional spoiler.
• Nose Gear: Stroke increased 3.5" to relieve higher dynamic loads and wheelwell extended 3" forward.
• Main Gear: Longer to reduce tailstrike risk, one piece titanium gear beam, 43.5" tyres, digital antiskid.
• Flightdeck: 6 programmable LCD's, replacing EFIS CRT displays and most conventional instruments.
• Systems: Most systems developed particularly: electrics, powerplant & navigation.

The NG's have 33% fewer parts than the Classics which reduces production time. One of the main production differences with the NG is the single moving assembly line, this has the capacity to produce 21 aircraft a month with a flow time of just 13 days.

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

Whats the NG all about. Its about avionics and simplifying systems. Next Generation huh? Still a 737. I think the range has increased, the cockpit is about as modern as it gets.

 

[Flying Illini]

Thanks guys, good stuff on all the linked sites. MZA, your first two sentences really straightened stuff out in my head!