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| EI-FZX Boeing 737-800 |
Boeing yesterday (Saturday 27 May) delivered to Ryanair the first 737-800 with enhanced short runway landing and takeoff capabilities according to a post on Dublin Spotters Facebook Group.
The aircraft registered EI-FZX c/n 44791 callsign ‘Ryanair 800X’ touched down in Dublin at 1526 local after a direct flight from Boeing Field.
Ryanair’s full year results are scheduled to be released next Tuesday 30 May when further details may become available how the carrier will deploy the 737-800 SFP across it’s network.
The 737 design enhancements allow operators to fly increased payload in and out of airports with runways less than 5,000 feet long.
The design enhancements include a two-position tail skid that enables reduced approach speeds, sealed leading-edge slats that provide increased lift during takeoff, and increased flight spoiler deflection on the ground that improves takeoff and landing performance.
The short-field performance changes were developed in 2004 in response to Brazilian airline GOL’s needs at Santos Dumont airstrip in Rio de Janeiro. The 4,300-foot runway is short compared to other runways and could not accommodate larger aircraft at higher approach speeds with full payloads.
The short-field design package is an option on the 737-600, -700 and -800 and is standard equipment for the 737-900ER.
The enhancements increase payload capability for landing up to 8,000 pounds and increase payload capability for takeoff up to 2,000 pounds on the 737-800.
Short Runway Package Technical Aspects:
- A winglet lift credit, achieved through additional winglet testing, that allows the use of lower landing-approach speeds
- Takeoff performance improvements such as using sealed leading-edge slats on all takeoff flap positions, which allows the airplane to climb up and away more rapidly on shorter runways.
- A reduced idle thrust transition delay between approach- and ground-idle speeds, which improves stopping distances and increases field-length-limited landing weight.
- Increased flight-spoiler deflection from 30 degrees to 60 degrees, which aids brake performance when landing.
- A two-position tailskid at the rear of the aircraft. The tailskid protects longerbodied 737-800s against inadvertent tailstrikes during landing, which allows higher aircraft approach attitudes and lower landing speeds.
EI-FZX Boeing 737-800 Image courtesy of Michael Kelly
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 27 May 2017 All Rights Reserved.
