Originally Posted by
tdracer
One of the linked Seattle Times articles stated that they initially tried to solve the force problem with aerodynamic tricks - vortex generators, etc. Nothing did much good. Then someone came up with the basic MCAS idea and it immediately solved the force problem.
If they couldn't figure out how to fix it aerodynamically before, I wouldn't be optimistic they can fix it aerodynamically now.
Maybe there are fixes, as fdr mentioned.
The problem maybe that thoses fixes involve airframe mods and so new certification while Boeing was intending to grandfather the new model and avoid retraining aircrews.
Had a discussion last week with the senior aerodynamicist of a very well known planemaker.
His opinion is that the MAX issue should be fixed with aerodynamic devices.
He mentioned that at some point they discovered that some rear fuselage strakes or "keels" worked well on a business jet, and to their surprise, did
reduce drag in cruise, due to some modifications of the turbulent airflow on the rear portion of the fuselage.