Wichita based Spirit AeroSystems has delivered the first thrust reverser with a new composite inner wall for engines on the Boeing's...
Wichita based Spirit AeroSystems has delivered the first thrust reverser with a new composite inner wall for engines on the Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft.
The new thrust reverser will replace the existing titanium honeycomb made reverser currently flying on the four fly test aircraft.
The titanium honeycomb thrust reverser supplied by UK based GKN Aerospace was dropped over concern in its producability to meet Boeing's rapid production ramp up plans.
The new design includes a thermal protection system, which provides reliable protection from the heat generated by the new fuel efficient Leap-1B engines made by CFM International.
Boeing, which currently produces 42 737s per month, will increase the rate to 47 airplanes per month in 2017.
To support rate increases, Spirit also opened a new expansion to support 737 MAX thrust reverser production. The new expansion is 45,000 sqft. and will deliver 94 thrust reversers per month to support the next rate increase.
The 737 MAX is 20 percent more fuel efficient than the original Next-Generation 737.
The 737 MAX will extend the Next-Generation 737 range advantage with the capability to fly more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,510 kilometers), an increase of 340 to 570 nautical miles (629 to 1,055 kilometers).
Delivery of the first 737 MAX is scheduled for the first half of 2017 to launch customer SouthWest Airlines.
Spirit produces the 737 MAX fuselage, pylon, thrust reverser and engine nacelle at its Wichita, Kan., facility and the wing leading edges at its Tulsa, Okla., facility. Spirit is responsible for delivering about 70 percent of the 737 structure to Boeing.
Spirit was formed in 2005 when Boeing sold its Wichita division.
