Wind tunnel testing begins at Qinetiq for Boeing 737 MAX

The final phase of wind tunnel testing, a major milestone in aeroplane development, began today on Boeing's 737 MAX programme at the QinetiQ facility in Farnborough.

"QinetiQ's dedicated team has over twenty years' experience testing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes which enables us to provide a highly specialised service for the 737 MAX program", said Andrew Yarrow, Head of Farnborough Facilities at QinetiQ.

Testing began at QinetiQ's test facility in Farnborough, in the United Kingdom, where engineers are working to substantiate the forecasted low-speed performance of the 737 MAX on takeoff and landing. A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical advice to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets.

"Wind tunnel testing is on the critical design path of the Boeing 737 MAX programme," said Michael Teal, chief project engineer and deputy program manager, Boeing 737 MAX programme. "This final phase of wind tunnel testing confirms that we are on track to complete our design goals and deliver the 737 MAX to customers beginning in 2017".

QinetiQ's 5-metre wind tunnel has been used by Boeing to help design high lift systems for improved takeoff and landing performance for numerous programs including the 787 family, 777 family, the 747-8 and the Next-Generation 737 family.

The Boeing 737 MAX is a new engine variant of the world's best-selling aeroplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737. The 737 MAX incorporates the latest-technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger appeal.

Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 10-12 percent fuel burn improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes and a 7 percent operating cost per-seat advantage over tomorrow's competition.