Retrofitting new technology into old airframes

[CelticRambler]

Two of the arguments for replacing an aging fleet with shiny new aircraft are an improvement in fuel efficiency and improved cabin comfort, especially lower noise. But if you were to take a generally healthy airframe, how close to that same level of improvement could you get by retrofitting modern products and technology that wasn't available when the aircraft came off the production line?

Take a 1990s turboprop - could 21st century passive insulation achieve the same "quiet" as an ATR600? What about using slimline, "10kg less" seats to save a ton and a half on a 150-seater jet? Or fitting modern, efficient engines via a suitably designed adaptor?

[Alber Ratman]

STC approved programmes. It is done frequently. I know JET2 modded several 75s with ligthweight seats to reduce fuel burn.. Sometimes though, its more effective to get new wine in new bottles, not try and put the wine in some old rustbucket..:E

[mono]

Boeing have been doing it for years with the 737 series!

The 737MAX - Yesterdays aeroplane Tomorrow! :}

[CelticRambler]

:eek: That soon? I missed the press release! :}

[FlightPathOBN]

Yesterdays aeroplane Tomorrow!

it will always be ready...tomorrow...:}