737 Max

US-based electronics manufacturer Ducommun been awarded several contracts by Spirit AeroSystems to structural assemblies for the Boeing 737 MAX commercial jetliner.

As part of the deal, Ducommun will supply a variety of titanium assemblies, which will be used in the propulsion and thrust reverser assemblies built by Spirit AeroSystems for the 737 MAX.

Production on these initial contracts is expected to begin later this year.

Ducommun chairman and chief executive officer Anthony J Reardon said: "We look forward to strengthening our relationship with both Spirit and Boeing in the development of these new applications.

"Spirit is a very important partner for us on the 737 programme, and we are excited to further expand our content on this aircraft."

Ducommun has offered structural solutions to the 737 platform since its inception.

The Boeing 737 MAX will take advantage of the platform’s reliability, while delivering improved fuel efficiency to the single-aisle market.

"The aircraft’s first flight is scheduled for 2016, with deliveries to customers due to start in 2017."

Powered by the new Leap-1B engines from CFM International, the 737 Max will feature a redesigned tail cone and the Boeing designed advanced technology winglet to reduce fuel use.

Other modifications include enhancements to the flight deck displays, an electronic bleed air system and fly-by-wire spoiler flight controls.

According to Boeing, the 737 Max reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 13% and offers operators an 8% operating cost advantage.

The aircraft’s first flight is scheduled for 2016, with deliveries to customers due to start in 2017.

The 737 MAX has accumulated more than 2,000 orders to date.

Image: The 737 Max will feature a redesigned tail cone and the Boeing designed advanced technology winglet to reduce fuel use. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

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