BOEING IS studying an ultra-long-range 777-200 as a possible alternative to the development of the smaller-capacity short-bodied -100X.
The study has been prompted by airline demand for an ultra-long-haul aircraft combining the range of the -100X with the higher capacity of the -200. Boeing hopes that the move will lower seat-kilometre costs, which is a concern of some of the long-haul operators evaluating the -100X.
The development of the higher-gross-weight, long-range, -200 would give Boeing the advantage of being able to compete with the Airbus A340-8000 more than a year earlier than would have been possible with the proposed -100X. According to Borge Boeskov, vice-president for product strategy, the study is looking at adding up to 13,600kg of fuel, driving the maximum gross take-off weight to 313t.
The increased gross weight would also require the more powerful 425-435kN (95,000-98,000lb)-thrust engines, which are now being developed for the -300 stretch. Additional fuel would be stored in the belly area, outboard wing tanks and in the empennage, which is empty in the existing -200.
The study is further complicated by some operator concerns that the extra-long-range -200 would be a direct competitor with the proposed Boeing 747-500X. Studies of two short-bodied -100X versions (Flight International, 22-28 November, 1995) also continue in parallel with evaluations of the long-range -200.
Source: Flight International
