Will Boeing Make a Redesigned Version of the 757 Like They Did with the 737 Max?

Current Status of the Boeing 757 Program

According to recent reports, Boeing is seriously considering the development of a new middle market aircraft termed the New Midsized Aircraft (NMA). However, the question arises: will Boeing follow a similar path with the 757, revisiting a design rather than starting from scratch?

The 757, once a proud member of Boeing's commercial aircraft family, has seen its days come to an end. The passenger jet program was officially retired a few years ago, along with its sister aircraft, the 767. Despite this, the 757's legacy is still remembered fondly for its impressive performance on high/heat airport operations.

Design Considerations and Challenges

The NMA, designed to replace the 757, is envisioned to be a clean-sheet design, not a reworked 757. Boeing and airlines have been in discussions regarding the aircraft's key features, such as range, seating capacity, and fuel efficiency. One of the main sticking points is whether the aircraft should feature a single aisle or a dual aisle. Dual aisle aircraft are faster to empty and board, but they are more expensive to manufacture and use more fuel.

Recent Developments in Aircraft Design

While Boeing considers the creation of the NMA, other aircraft manufacturers are exploring innovative technologies. For instance, Airbus is leading the development of the A321neo LR, which competes with the 757 in the narrowbody aircraft market. The A321neo LR is criticized for its uncomfortable seating, mirroring the issues faced by 757 passengers.

The development of the NMA is fraught with challenges. Boeing faces a significant delay in finalizing its design, which would have been more manageable if the process had begun ten years ago. Currently, the company is exploring various advanced planforms to reduce fuel consumption. These include:

Transonic Truss-Braced Wing: Boeing has been working on a technology demonstrator for this design, which aims to improve fuel efficiency. Blended Wing Body (BWB): This design combines the fuselage and the wing in a single structure, reducing drag and improving efficiency. Flying V: A concept aircraft with a V-shaped fuselage, designed to improve aerodynamics.

Propulsion technologies are also rapidly advancing. The development of propfans and electric-hybrid engines aims to reduce fuel consumption, making future aircraft more fuel-efficient. While hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising future, they are still decades away from practical implementation.

Conclusion

In summary, Boeing is not intending to design a redesigned 757 similar to the 737 Max. Instead, the NMA is likely to be a clean-sheet design, leveraging advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of the commercial aviation industry. The development process is far from straightforward, and it will take at least five to ten years before a decision is made and the new aircraft is produced.