Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 737 is an American narrow-body aircraft that has been in operation since 1968. Since its introduction, the 737 has gone through four generations, with the latest generation introduced in 2017. The amount of extra fuel a 737 carries depends on the variant and generation of the aircraft. For example, the 737 MAX 7 variant has a longer range than its predecessor, the 737-700, and can fly 1,000 nautical miles (1,900 km) farther. The 737-800, on the other hand, has additional fuel tanks that increase its range compared to other 737 models.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Generation Variants | 737-100/200 |
| First Generation Engines | Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines |
| First Generation Seating Capacity | 85 to 130 passengers |
| Second Generation Variants | 737 Classic -300/400/500 |
| Second Generation Engines | CFM56-3 high-bypass turbofans |
| Second Generation Seating Capacity | 110 to 168 passengers |
| Third Generation Variants | 737 Next Generation (NG) -600/700/800/900 |
| Third Generation Engines | CFM56-7 high-bypass turbofans |
| Third Generation Seating Capacity | 108 to 215 passengers |
| Fourth Generation Variants | 737 MAX -7/8/9/10 |
| Fourth Generation Engines | CFM LEAP-1B high-bypass turbofans |
| Fourth Generation Seating Capacity | 138 to 204 passengers |
| Boeing Business Jet Variants | BBJ1, BBJ2 |
| BBJ1 Features | Stronger wings, landing gear from 737-800, extra fuel tanks |
| BBJ2 Features | 19 feet 2 inches longer than BBJ1, 25% more cabin space, twice the baggage space, auxiliary belly fuel tanks, winglets |
| Fuel Efficiency Improvement | 737 Classic aircraft replaced for improved fuel efficiency |
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What You'll Learn
The Boeing 737's fuel efficiency
The Boeing 737 is a popular aircraft with a fuel efficiency that varies depending on various factors. Fuel efficiency in aircraft is determined by the aircraft's aerodynamics, weight, engine brake-specific fuel consumption, and propulsive efficiency or thrust-specific fuel consumption. Additionally, the airline's efficiency also plays a role and is influenced by factors such as seating density, air cargo, and passenger load factor.
One source provides a calculation for the fuel efficiency of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737. With a passenger mileage of 33.1 billion miles and fuel usage of 500 million gallons, the airline achieved 66 passenger miles per gallon (pmpg). This can be compared to other modes of transport, such as prop planes, which can achieve 137 miles per gallon (MPG) per passenger, or long-distance buses, which can reach 228 pmpg.
Another source mentions that for a 737-800 carrying 162 passengers on a 1000 NM trip, the fuel efficiency is 96 MPG per passenger or 0.593 MPG for the entire aircraft. The fuel efficiency of a 737 can also be compared to other aircraft models, such as the Airbus A350, which incorporates lightweight composite materials, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features a composite airframe, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.
The fuel efficiency of airlines that operate the Boeing 737 can vary due to various factors, including seating configuration and passenger load. For example, in 2014, Ryanair, which operates the high-density 189-seat Boeing 737-800s, was ranked as the lowest-emissions-intensity airline by MSCI. On the other hand, British Airways, which operates fuel-inefficient Boeing 747-400s with a lower seating density due to a higher percentage of premium seating, was ranked as the least fuel-efficient airline in 2017.
Overall, the fuel efficiency of the Boeing 737 can be influenced by a range of factors, from aircraft design and engine efficiency to airline operations and seating configuration. By improving fuel efficiency, airlines can reduce fuel consumption and lower their environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable air transport.
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The 737's range and fuel tanks
The Boeing 737 is an American narrow-body aircraft that was first envisioned in 1964 and has since gone through several upgrades and variations. The 737's range and fuel capacity have improved with each new iteration.
The initial 737-100 made its first flight in April 1967, and the lengthened 737-200 entered service in April 1968. The 737-200 Advanced, an improved version of the -200, offered better aerodynamics, more powerful engines, and more fuel capacity, resulting in a 15% increase in payload and range.
The second generation of the 737, known as the 737 Classic -300/400/500 variants, were introduced in 1984 and offered more fuel-efficient CFM56-3 high-bypass engines.
The 737NG, an upgrade of the 737 Classic, features a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, and greater fuel capacity, resulting in a longer range. The 737NG series includes the -600, -700, -800, and -900 variants, with the 737-800 being the most widely used.
The 737-800 was followed by the 737-900, which is longer but retains the same fuel capacity and exit configuration as the -800, sacrificing some range for increased capacity. The 737-900ER (Extended Range) is the final and largest variant of the 737 NG line, featuring up to two auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold and standard winglets, improving its range.
The Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) is another variant based on the 737-700 but with stronger wings and landing gear from the 737-800, as well as increased range through the use of extra fuel tanks. The BBJ3, based on the 737-900ER, has an auxiliary fuel system, giving it a range of up to 4,725 nautical miles.
The 737-700ER (Extended Range) is another variant with increased range capabilities. When outfitted with nine auxiliary fuel tanks, it can hold 10,707 US gallons of fuel, significantly increasing its range to 5,775 nautical miles but reducing its cargo payload capacity.
In summary, the Boeing 737 has evolved through several generations, with each new iteration offering improvements in fuel efficiency, range, and fuel capacity. The specific range and fuel capacity vary across the different variants of the 737, with some models prioritizing range and others focusing on passenger or cargo capacity.
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The evolution of 737's fuel systems
The Boeing 737 has undergone several generations of upgrades and improvements since its original design. The first generation, the 737-100/200, was introduced in the 1970s and powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines. The second generation, known as the 737 Classic -300/400/500, was launched in 1980 and introduced in 1984. It offered upgraded CFM56-3 high-bypass turbofans and increased seating capacity.
The third generation, the 737 Next Generation (NG) -600/700/800/900, was introduced in 1997 and came with updated CFM56-7 high-bypass turbofans, a larger wing, and an upgraded cockpit. The NG series also had a redesigned wing with a larger area, a wider wingspan, greater fuel capacity, and higher maximum takeoff weights (MTOW), resulting in a 900-nautical-mile increase in range.
In 2008, Boeing offered Messier-Bugatti-Dowty carbon brakes for the Next-Gen 737s, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency by 0.5%. Split Scimitar winglets became available in 2014 for some 737 variants, resulting in up to a 5.5% fuel savings per aircraft.
The fourth and latest generation, the 737 MAX -7/8/9/10, entered service in 2017 and is powered by improved CFM LEAP-1B high-bypass turbofans. This generation competes primarily with the Airbus A320. The 737 MAX features larger CFM LEAP engines mounted even further ahead of the wing, further improving fuel efficiency and range.
Throughout its evolution, the Boeing 737's fuel system has been continuously improved, resulting in increased fuel capacity, efficiency, and range. These advancements have contributed to the aircraft's enduring popularity and operational flexibility.
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The 737's engine types
The Boeing 737 is one of the best-selling commercial aircraft of all time, with almost 12,000 examples ordered, delivered, or built since it first took to the skies in 1967. Four different series of 737 aircraft have been produced, each with different engine types.
The first generation of 737s, the 737 Original series, included the 737-100 and 737-200 variants. These were powered by Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines. The JT8D engine was also used on the rear-engined McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and MD-80 families, as well as the Dassault Mercure. Eight different models of the JT8D engine exist, producing between 14,000 and 17,000 pounds of thrust.
The second generation, introduced in 1984, was the 737 Classic series, which included the -300/400/500 variants. These were upgraded with more fuel-efficient CFM56 -3 high-bypass turbofans. The CFM56 engine was also used on competing aircraft, such as the Airbus A320neo.
The third generation, introduced in 1997, was the 737 Next Generation (NG) series, which included the -600/700/800/900 variants. These variants were fitted with updated CFM56-7 high-bypass turbofans, which offered improved fuel efficiency over their predecessors.
The fourth and latest generation is the 737 MAX series, which includes the -7/8/9/10 variants. These aircraft are powered by CFM LEAP-1B high-bypass turbofans, which are larger and mounted further forward on the wing compared to previous generations.
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The 737's competition
The 737's initial competitors were the SE 210 Caravelle and BAC-111, but it later faced rivalry from the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and its MD-80 derivatives. The McDonnell Douglas company was eventually acquired by Boeing in 1997, ending their competition.
The 737 MAX was designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo, but it was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and November 2020 following two fatal crashes.
Boeing and Airbus compete to gain a strategic advantage by subcontracting the production of aircraft components to manufacturers in countries of strategic importance. For example, Boeing has maintained relationships with Japanese suppliers, helping it achieve almost total dominance of the Japanese market for commercial jets.
Both companies have also regularly accused each other of receiving unfair state aid from their governments.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of extra fuel carried by a 737 depends on the variant. The 737 MAX 7, for instance, can fly 1000 nautical miles further than its predecessor, the 737-700. The 737-700 was then replaced by the BBJ2, which has a slightly reduced range.
The range of a 737 depends on factors such as the number of extra fuel tanks, stronger wings, and more efficient engines.
The 737 has evolved through four generations, with each generation offering improved range and fuel efficiency. The first generation used Pratt & Whitney JT8D low-bypass turbofan engines, while the second generation ("Classic" series) introduced more fuel-efficient CFM56-3 high-bypass turbofans. The third and fourth generations continued to build on these improvements, with the latest generation, the 737 MAX, offering the greatest range and fuel efficiency.
The 737 MAX 7, for example, can fly 400 nautical miles farther than the competing Airbus A319neo with 7% lower operating costs per seat.
