Boeing 737 Open Wheel Well
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Near sheep!
Boeing 737 Open Wheel Well
Good evening,
Does anyone have any insight into the differences between open wheel wells (737) and closed wheel wells (most commercial jets).
I would guess there is a very slight drag penalty for the open well, but is this offset by the reduction of weight in not carrying well doors?
I have always ben intrigued as to why some, and in particular the 737 have the wheels exposed during cruise.
Does anyone have any insight into the differences between open wheel wells (737) and closed wheel wells (most commercial jets).
I would guess there is a very slight drag penalty for the open well, but is this offset by the reduction of weight in not carrying well doors?
I have always ben intrigued as to why some, and in particular the 737 have the wheels exposed during cruise.
Fleet Manager
Joined: Apr 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: various places .....
I think that your explanation is likely on the money. In any case, considering the important things, how many folk can claim to have flown aeroplanes with hubcaps ?
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Paradise
Some of the very early 737's (100/200's I think) had an inflatable seal around the tyre to reduce drag, however as I understand it this system was found to be more trouble than it was worth, and Boeing dropped the idea.
I'm guessing the increased drag is minimal.
JT, most single-engine Cessna's have hubcaps so to answer your question..........lots of us!
I'm guessing the increased drag is minimal.
JT, most single-engine Cessna's have hubcaps so to answer your question..........lots of us!
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: uk
link
theres some usefull info in the link below
Boeing 737 Landing Gear Doors? — Tech Ops Forum | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boeing 737 Landing Gear Doors? — Tech Ops Forum | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,480
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From: In a far better place
Less moving parts and actuators means less weight... and overall less mx. Easier manual gear extension should the occasion arise requiring no electricity to boot.
Anyone remember the manual gear extension system on the good old B707 or B727?
At the end of the day, the increase in drag, which is minimal out weighs the additional costs associated with above in mind.
Anyone remember the manual gear extension system on the good old B707 or B727?
At the end of the day, the increase in drag, which is minimal out weighs the additional costs associated with above in mind.
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Who knows where this week.......
As I'm still flying a B707, yes, I remember the manual undercarriage extension system! And don't lots of aircraft use hubcaps - often to impart rotational velocity information to their anti-skid systems?
