737 question
OK, been wondering this for years, and it has probably been asked a thousand times before, but....
Why did Boeing's designers / aerodynamicists opt NOT to install gear doors on the 737 (only oleo covers - no wheel / tyre door like most airliners). Did they consider the weight required for the additional hydraulic rams and door weight significant (dependant on other factors)?
Does the lack of gear door, and the fact the tyre is in the airstream create significant parasite drag that would be reduced by use of a fairing / door, or is the drag created more or less equal to the detriment caused by the weight of hydraulics and door weight etc?
Enquiring NON-737 endorsed person needs to know...