Boeing - 737-700
The 737-700 was the first model of the Next-Generation 737 series and replaces the 737-300 in the Boeing product line, and like all models in the range the design was developed considerably to meet the requirements of operators in the 21st Century.
The Next-Generation 737 retains the basic fuselage of earlier 737s with a taller fin and other enhancements, but the main change from previous 737s is a new technology wing of 25% greater area with a new supercritical aerofoil section, simplified flaps, and winglets, which have since 2002 have been available on new aircraft or available for retrofit. The wing has 37% fewer components and 33% less bearings than the 300/400/500 series which assists operators by simplifying maintenance and reduced inventories. The new wing enables a certified ceiling of 12497 metres and can hold 30% more fuel than previous 737s. In addition it permits a higher cruising speed of
M 0.78, a reduced take off run and a reduced noise footprint.
The 737-700 like all Next Generation 737s utilises the CFM56-7 engine which has a marginally larger fan, a higher bypass ratio and higher EGT margins than previous variants. In practical terms the CFM56-7 gives more power, is some 7% more economical, is quieter, and can remain in operation longer before major maintenance is required. The flight deck features an advanced display based on five EFIS screens and feature programmable software which allows operators to configure the flight deck to their individual requirements. Avionics vary between operators with the exception of the flight control computer which was supplied as standard by Honeywell until January 2003 when it was replaced by the Rockwell Collins FCC-730. The Flight Management System has always been supplied by Smiths Aerospace.
On 17 November 1993 the Boeing Company board of directors gave the go ahead for the Boeing 737 Next-Generation program with Southwest Airlines as the launch customer with an order for 63. The 737-700 was unveiled on December 8 1996 flew on February 9 1997 and was delivered to Southwest on December 17 of the same year. In July 1996 Boeing launched the Boeing Business Jet derived from the -700, which utilises the wing from the 737-800. Another variant is the -700C (Convertible) which also utilises the -800 wing and features a 3.4 x 2.1m forward cargo door. The -700C can carry combinations of passengers and cargo, and was launched with an order for two by the US Navy, which designates the aircraft C-40, and this was followed by similar aircraft for the USAF and ANG. Sales of civilian -700Cs have remained in single figures. Another version the -700QC which is a 700C which can change configuration in less than one hour and can carry 18,700 kgs of freight had by November 2006 received no orders. The latest version of the Next Generation 737- family is the 737-700ER which is based on the BBJ and features a maximum fuel capacity of 40,530 litres which enables a range of 10,200km and is intended for all business (48 passengers) or a two class configuration (126 passengers) services on trans-oceanic, point to point services. The 737-700ER was launched on January 31 2006 with an order for two from ANA who converted a previous order to the new variant.
By November 2006 Boeing had delivered 886 737-700s which were in service with 116 operators and had an order backlog for 498 more with a further 314 options.
Lloyd Dunning-Mitchell
