The Boeing 7J7 advanced technology airplane

This paper discusses the background of the new Boeing 7J7 airplane that currently is in the preliminary design phase. The advanced technologies under development for application to this 150-passenger, short-to-medium-range airplane design are described, together with their impact on the operational costs of the airplane. Specific areas of interest include the ultrahigh-bypass engines, advanced structural materials, electrical flight control signaling, active controls, advanced flight-deck displays, very high reliability avionics, and comprehensive onboard maintenance reporting. The preliminary design, technology development, and production development program leading to first deliveries in 1992 are described. The expected operational benefits offered by this advanced technology airplane are presented and compared to today's state-of-the-art designs. The paper also presents the approach being taken to improve significantly the maintainability of the airplane and its systems.