Introducing:
The Boeing 7J7 'Superior Comfort and Technology'
Boeing Commercial Airplane Company has embarked on a comprehensive program to develop a complete ly new aircrah for introduction in 1993. The 7J7 , as it is called during the current developmental stage, will seat about 150 passengers and tak e advantage of emerging technologi es in propulsion , aerodynamics , structures and aircrah systems, as well as innovative concepts in cabin design. Boeing is committed to keeping the aircraft affordable, while at the same time designing it to provide major improvemen ts in operating economics, passenger appeal and flexibility . Powered by ultra bypass engines, the 7J7 wi ll have improved fuel efficiency. Reduced maintenance costs, through simplified design and application of the new techno logie s, will contribute further to the economical operation of the aircrah. Overall, the 7J7's direct opera ting cost (including fuel , maintenance and ownership) is expected to be lowe r than that of any competing airliner. Developmental progress is aim ed at 1993 as the t ime per iod for introducing an all-new airp lane of this size. Currently the dominant 150-seat ai rcrah is the 727-200, with more than 1200 in service. Many of these will approach their time for rep lac ement by the beginning of the next decade, but only if the price, operat ing economics and market ing advantages of alternative airp lanes are compe lling enough. To assure affordabi lity, Boeing is reassessing the entire process needed to des ign and bu ild a new aircraft. The goal is to introduce more efficient methods, both at Boeing and at program part icipants and subcontractors. Boeing wi ll share investment risk on _the 7J7 program through inter national partic ipation . The company has reached agreement with several overseas aerospace industr ies. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was sig ned providing the Japan Aircrah Development Corporation (JADC) with a 25 percent part18
nership or equity share in the 7 J 7 program. JADC is the coordinating agency for Fuji Heavy Industries , Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Together they will participate in all phases of the 7J7 program, including design, development and production. In addition , Short Brothers of Northern Ireland , Saab-Scania of Sweden and Hawker de Havilland of Austral ia signed MOUs to become program associates, enabling each of them to participate in development and production of part of the aircraft on a non-equity basis . Boeing's timetable calls for discussing specifications for the new aircraft with prospective customers during 1987. Boeing would proceed with detailed engineering, production and certification flight testing once a goahead decision is made. Propulsion The 7J7 will be powered by two ultra bypass engines. Several versions are under development at major suppliers. These engines have very large
diameter fans with variable pitch blades. They can move a larger volume of air for a given amount of fuel compared to the latest high bypass turbofans, offering the potential of a 20 percent reduction in specific fuel consumption and up to a 45 percent reduction compared to low bypass engines . Noise levels will meet the current US and ICAO standards. The version of the ultra bypass concept that is the baseline powerplant for the 7J7 is General Electric ' s 'unducted fan ' engine or UDF . It features two counter-rotating fans external to the nacelle . The fans , about 11 ½ feet (3 .5 m) in diameter, are powered directly by a counterrotating jet turbine. The blades of each fan are distinctively swept back and slightly spiral shaped. Structures Where it is cost-effective to do so, lightweight structural materials will be used on the 7J7 to enhance efficiency. Two very promising types are an aluminum-lithium alloy and advanced composites . Developments under way at Boeing and aluminum suppliers now point to weight savings of about 8 percent in those areas where aluminum-lithium would be used compared to alloys on today 's jetliners . . Composites such as graphite / epoxy are already in service on the secondary structures of Boeing's current twinjets . Weight savings of up to 25 percent have been demonstrated . For the 7 J 7, primary structure is being targeted, including the tail section and floor structure.
Boeing 7J 7 artist's concept THE CONTROLLER/ MA RCH 19 88