The third Boeing 737 MAX production line flew for the first time yesterday (14/04) in the Boeing assembly line in Renton, Washington. Soon after leaving the final assembly line aircraft performed several tests on the ground to make sure all systems were in order.
Meanwhile, the number of aircraft 1 and 2 have completed more than 50 flights in a number of tested hours not released by Boeing, but we can say that is a considerable number, since the first flight of the aircraft 1 lasted almost 3:30 a.m.. However Boeing said various situations have been considered, including stability test and control surfaces while in low speed, which proved the extreme smoothness of the fly by wire system incorporated in 737 MAX.
Boeing also reported that the number of aircraft 2 will soon perform most critical tests such as operation at airports with high altitude in Bolivia. And the number of aircraft 4 already come with fully equipped interior, which will serve as a test platform to ensure the operation of the aircraft simulation environment "with passengers," since they use weight on the seats to simulate the common distribution of a flight .
Recently Boeing said it expects to make the 737 MAX 8 six months ahead of schedule in 2014, thus the first MAX could be delivered to the Southwest in early 2017, shortly after receiving certification from EASA and FAA. According to Boeing they are already aware of the performance presented by the 737 MAX with Leap 1B engines.
The first 737 MAX held its flight on 29 January this year, with a total duration of about 3:30 a.m., at that time the aircraft took off and landed at Boeing production plant in Renton, Washington.
The 737 MAX is a new generation of aircraft Boeing incorporating CFM Leap 1B engines and promises to be up to 25% more efficient with respect to 737 NGs, thus reaching a value 20% lower for the seat and an operating cost 8% lower than the its direct competitor, the A320neo. Your new avionics are based on the latest generation of Boeing aircraft such as the 787 and the 747-8, incorporating innovations in commands like fly-by-wire but keeping the same familiar design of the cockpit. Now in its visual can find new wings with a double winglet and engine cowling with similar to the 787 but keeping as traditional cheeks. So far Boeing has more than 3,100 fixed orders for the 737 MAX.
