Friday, August 15, 2008

Evolution





Mouse over to see the evolution of the 737 from Original to Next Generation

The first image is a 737-200, the later a 737-800. The most obvious external differences are increased length, a different tail fin, winglets and different engines. Less obvious changes to the newer model include a redesigned wing and complete electronic systems. In fact there is very little in common between the two, but for the general shape of the fuselage (which itself dates back to the 707 and 727).

The different shape of engines comes from the move to "high bypass" turbofans resulting in larger engines overall. In order to accommodate the larger engines and stop them dragging on the ground some components were shifted to allow for the distinctive flat bottom. The modern engines are much more efficient and quiet.


The Boeing 737-400 (above) belongs to the generation that sits between these two aircraft. The Generations are, "Original" for the 100 and 200 series, "Classic" for the 300,400 and 500 series, and "Next Generation" for the 600, 700 and 800 series.


Mouseover code from Terrys Playpen.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

They almost look to be entirely different planes. I often wondered what the *00 stood for. So it would be the same with a 747, the higher the *00, the newer the plane?

Ben said...

Yes generally, each time they make a change to the model they increase the number. This includes size, e.g. the 737-400 is a stretched version of the 737-300.

But yes, a 747-400 is newer than the 747-300.

It goes even further with most airlines getting a unique customer code, so for example all Boeing aircraft ordered by QANTAS are 7*7-*36, e.g. 747-436.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to fly in a non-QANTAS Boing. The new one looks great.

Ben said...

Why specifically non-QANTAS?

But Yeah, they are a pretty good looking plane.