ASM West Michigan (Grand Rapids) Chapter Community

"Boeing Product Development: A History of the Boeing 737 aircraft and derivative model successions from Classic-Next Generation-MAX"

by Richard H. Helmholz

Engineering Manager – Mechanical Hydraulics, Boeing Company

Tuesday February 23rd, 2016 @ 5:30 pm

Fetzer Center at Western Michigan University-Kalamazoo

An introduction to Legacy Boeing aircraft that formed the foundation of modern commercial aircraft from cabin pressurization and increased flight envelope, to the introduction of jet engines, aerodynamic swept wing, increased reliability, and transcontinental flight. A description of airline market and route fragmentation that continues today; examples of new technologies that continuously change aircraft capabilities and expand the frontiers of aerospace.

A brief discussion of market forecast conditions leading to aircraft configuration development decisions. Consideration of available technologies and innovation leading to aircraft configuration maturity, engineering work statement scope and program schedule development leading to customer offerings and development program launch commitments. Closing technical trade studies, concept and prototype developmental testing. Requirements for validation and verification including static, ultimate and fatigue Loads, performance predictions, component qualification and systems integration testing. The challenges of initial aircraft production, instrumentation and flight test program, leading to Production Type Certification, initial stable production and market acceptance.