The Boeing 737 is a popular commercial passenger aircraft continuously manufactured by the Boeing Corporation since 1967. More 737s have been sold than any other commercial airliner. All models have two engines, one on each wing, but many variants exist, designated by suffixes:
- The 737-100 and -200 (Original)
- The 737-300, -400, and -500 (Classic)
- The 737-600, -700, -800, -900 and proposed 900X (NG)
Some versions in different 'generations' correspond to each other in size. These are:
- 737-100 Smallest, original layout
- 737-200 Extended version of the -100 in order to accommodate the US market
- 737-500, 737-600 Shortened versions of the -300 and -700 respectively
- 737-300, 737-700 The new base models, slightly stretched over the 737-200
- 737-400, 737-800 Stretched versions mostly to accommodate charter and business airlines
- 737-900 and 900X Recent versions stretched even further to close a gap in Boeing's product line-up
Also in production is the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), which is based on the 737-700 but is fitted with the stronger wings from the 737-800. The BBJ has increased range over the other 737 models and is currently operated by some airlines on premium flights between North America and Europe.
The -100 and -200 series are identifiable by their tubular engines which project both fore and aft of the wing, and by the smoothly curving upsweep of the tail fin. Later series (starting with the 737-300) have barrel-shaped engines with flattened undersides and a noticeable "kink" at the base of the tail.
The first 737 (a 100 series) took its maiden flight April 9, 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa, the launch customer. The 737-200 made its maiden flight on August 8, 1967.
Lufthansa was the only customer to purchase the 737-100 from new and only 30 aircraft were ever produced. The 737-200 was widely preferred and was produced until 1988. The launch customer of the 737-200 was United Airlines.
General characteristics
- Cruise speed: 0.73 Mach, 420 knots
- Propulsion: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D (100, 200),CFM International CFM56-3 (300, 400, 500) or ),CFM56-7 (600, 700, 800, 900, 900X) High Bypass Ratio turbofan engines, rated at between 64.4 kN and 117.3 kN each
- Wingspan: between 28.35 and 34.32 metres
- Capacity 85 to 189 passengers
- Autoflight, Displays, Navigation and Sensors by Honeywell
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