Boeing is making progress on the development of its 737 MAX, an upgraded version of its popular 737 Next-Generation single-aisle airplane.
The final phase of wind tunnel testing, a key milestone, begins this week, the company said.
“Wind tunnel testing is on the critical design path of the program,” Michael Teal, chief project engineer and deputy program manager, said in a statement. “Based on previous work in the wind tunnel, we are confident this final phase of testing will substantiate our predictions of the aerodynamic performance of the airplane.”
Testing will be done at a facility in Farnborough, England, called QinetiQ, and at Boeing’s Transonic Wind Tunnel in Seattle.
The plane will receive new engines. Modifications will be done to the plane’s aft fuselage, struts and nacelles.
Testing will be completed mid-year, with first deliveries slated in early 2017.
Boeing has taken more than 1,000 orders and commitments from 15 customers for the plane.
