UK-based defence company QinetiQ has begun the final phase of wind tunnel testing on Boeing’s 737 MAX programme at its Farnborough facility in the UK as a final milestone in the aeroplane’s development.
QinetiQ’s engineers have begun the work to validate the estimated low-speed performance of the 737 MAX on takeoff and landing.
QinetiQ Farnborough facilities head Andrew Yarrow said: "QinetiQ’s dedicated team has over twenty years’ experience testing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, which enables us to provide a highly specialised service for the 737 MAX programme."
Boeing has been using the 5m wind tunnel to facilitate design high lift systems for enhanced takeoff and landing performance for many aircraft programmes which include the 787 family, 777 family, the 747-8 and the Next-Generation 737 family.
Boeing 737 MAX programme chief project engineer Michael Teal said: "Wind tunnel testing is on the critical design path of the Boeing 737 MAX programme."
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By GlobalData"This final phase of wind tunnel testing confirms that we are on track to complete our design goals and deliver the 737 MAX to customers beginning in 2017," Teal said.
The wind tunnel testing is expected to be complete by mid-2012.
The 737 MAX is a new engine variant of Boeing’s single aisle airline Next-Generation 737, featuring the new technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to offer higher efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal.
Boeing claims that the airlines operating 737 MAX will get 10% to 12% more fuel efficiency and a 7% operating cost advantage per seat.
The company has received over 1,000 orders and commitments from 15 customers for the new 737 MAX aircraft.
Boeing signed a ten-year deal with QinetiQ in 2004 to use the company’s wind tunnels at Farnborough.
Image: The wind tunnel testing of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is expected to be completed by mid-2012. Photo: Boeing.
