Further range improvements have been unveiled by Boeing to sharpen the competitive edge of the Boeing 777-200LR/300ER pair in the long-range battle with the Airbus A340-500/600, writes Guy Norris.
The latest boost increases the specification range of the 777-300ER by more than 320km (175nm) to around 14,600km, and is expected to increase the range of the yet-to-be-built -200LR to 17,500km. Boeing says in typical airline configuration the -300ER will be capable of 14,800km with a standard maximum take-off weight of 352,000kg (775,000lb).
"There are several routes that benefit from this increased range on the -300ER, both in terms of payload and range," says longer-range 777 programme manager Lars Andersen. "These include San Francisco to Hong Kong, or New York to Hong Kong," he says.The extended-range version of the -200LR, complete with optional space for up to three auxiliary fuel tanks, will be available for service entry in January 2006, while the first -300ERs will be offered with the enhanced capability from around October 2005.
Main elements of the changes include performance improvements on the General Electric GE90-115B engine, which is expected to generate a 0.8% reduction in specific fuel consumption over the baseline design. The advances result from improved three-dimensional aerodynamic design of the low pressure (LP) turbine blades and vanes. The new cast blade set will require recertification and is expected to be flight tested early next year, says GE, which has already begun ground tests of the revised LP turbine module.
Other changes, all of which can be retrofitted to the initial production batch aircraft now entering service, include an extended series of vortex generators on the outboard wing.
Source: Flight International
