Boeing marketing vice-president Randy Tinseth, unveiled a series of product improvements to the 777 widebody jetliner at the ISTAT Ameri...
Boeing marketing vice-president Randy Tinseth, unveiled a series of product improvements to the 777 widebody jetliner at the ISTAT Americas conference on 9 March.
The improvements are aimed to win more orders, so as to keep the 777 assembly line running at full rate, for a smooth transition to 777X.
Any further cuts in the 777s current 100 per year rate could make it harder for Boeing to ramp up production of the 777X.
The product improvements will be available on the 777-300ER, the 777-200LR and the 777 Freighter variants.
The baseline engine, airplane weight and aerodynamic improvements will be phased into production by the third quarter of 2016, lowering trip fuel use by 2 percent. Along with the priced optional features, airlines will see an approximate 5 percent overall fuel use per seat improvement.
GE will provide combination of various improvements to the GE90 engine.
Weight reductions:
Optimized interior structural crown architecture, low density hydraulic fluid, lightweight insulation and tail skid removal— all resulting in a 1,200 lb. weight reduction.
Aerodynamic improvements:
Divergent trailing edge- A trailing edge device is added to the underside of the wing, outboard of the aileron. The profile of the device increases camber of the outboard wing, resulting in outboard wing efficiency.
Elevator trim bias and seal optimization- Elevator seals are improved to reduce drag and the pitch trim software logic is revised, enabling the elevator to augment the stabilizer trim during cruise flight, reducing profile and induced drag.
Slat enhancement- The slat trailing edge is made 60 percent thinner, resulting in lower drag.
Flap fairing optimization- The inboard flap track fairing is revised to optimize span-loading and reduce profile drag.
Window excrescence drag reduction- A new passenger window and seal design will result in greater flushness with the fuselage skin, reducing excrescence drag.
Tailskid deletion- Enhanced tail skid protection is integrated into the fly-by-wire control laws, eliminating the need for a physical tailskid on the 777-300ER.
Optional priced features:
Options such as next-generation lightweight galleys, space-saving lavatories and straightened aft seat tracks will improve fuel efficiency even more through the addition of seats (up to 14 seats, depending on the configuration).
Optional passenger experience upgrades include premium window shades, an LED lighting system to provide better quality of lighting, forward cabin noise improvements and an enhanced Door 2 entry.
GE is also considering an engine retrofit package for in-service airplanes.
The 777X, slated for deliveries from 2020, will feature new engines, new composite wings, and use technologies from the Boeing 787.
