The Boeing 737

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The Boeing 737 is one of the most popular aircraft ever produced. Over 7700 in all variants have been produced, with an additional 11,275 aircraft on order. This makes the 737 the most popular jetliner to date. The 737 has a wide variety of uses, and still remains extremely popular and under high demand. Because it is such a widely mass produced aircraft, it is also a target for constant aerodynamic improvements. Boeing has looked at everything from the design of the anti-collision lights, to the reduction of small gaps in the airfoil. This has created an aircraft that is extremely aerodynamic and efficient at any task it performs. The 737 was originally created on on May 11 1964, however it wasn’t until November 9th 1964 that production was officially approved. On February 19th 1965 Lufthansa placed its first order for the 737-100, and on the 9th of april 1967 the 737 flew for the first time. In 1970, Boeing had less than 35 orders for the 737 and considered canceling the program. Boeing however ultimately decided to cut from other areas and to continue the 737 program. By deciding to continue the program Boeing paved the way for its future success and formed the backbone of many airlines that exist today that solely fly the 737. The 737 shares much of the same design as the 707 and the 727. It share the upper lobe fuselage, as well as other capabilities such as cargo convertibility. In the 737-200 Boeing allowed the aircraft to be converted from passenger carrying operation to cargo carrying operations. This allowed the aircraft to have multiple uses. The 737-200 also allowed for a gravel kit which made it possible to land on unimproved airstrips. Another improvement that was made in the design of the 737 is the ... ... middle of paper ... ...gainst all odds, it has become the companies greatest asset. In order to protect their asset, Boeing is not becoming complacent, and is instead striving to make a wide variety of aerodynamic improvements.This has cemented the 737 as a market leader, and it will retain its lead for decades to come. References Boeing: 737-800 Technical Characteristics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.boeing.com/boeing/commercial/737family/pf/pf_800tech.page Next-Generation 737 Fuel Performance Improvement. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2012_q4/3/ Winglets Save Billions of Dollars in Fuel Costs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2010/t_5.html Retrieved from http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=737&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=737&ViewReportF=View+Report

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