The structural stringers for the fuselage fabricated in Auburn, Washington, look similar to any previous 737 stringer, but Boeing's workers likely noticed a slight increase in gauge, which is the first visible mark of the re-engined and heavily updated 737 Max model.
The stringers will be shipped to Wichita, Kansas, where they will be joined with longerons, panels and other components by Spirit Aerosystems. The completed fuselages will then be sent next year by train to Renton, Washington, where Boeing’s final assembly workers will mate the wings and distinctive split-tip winglets, install landing gear and electronics and complete the interior.
Boeing’s schedule calls for completing first flight of the 737 Max 8 by 2016 and beginning deliveries in the third quarter of 2017.
Engines always lead commercial aircraft programs and the 737 Max is no different. CFM International, a GE Aviation-Snecma joint venture, began ground testing of the first Leap-1B turbofan engine last June. It will begin flight testing in 2015 on one of GE's Boeing 747 flying test-beds.
Boeing will build the 737 Max on a third assembly line now being constructed in the historic Renton factory. Two lines are already in operation, building 21 737 NGs each at current rates. The third line will increase Boeing’s capacity, with output scheduled to rise to 47 per month by 2017 and 52 per month by 2018.
Both the current 737NG and 737 Max are expected to remain in production simultaneously until around July 2019, when Ryanair is scheduled to receive the last 737NG assembled by Boeing.
(Stephen Trimble - Flight Global News)
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