Boeing 737-100/200

The Boeing 737-100/200

Short range narrowbody airliner

The 737-100 and 200 are the first generation production models of the world's most successful jet airliner family, Boeing's 737 twinjet.

The 737 was conceived as a short range small capacity airliner to round out the Boeing jet airliner family beneath the 727, 720 and 707. Announced in February 1965, the 737 was originally envisioned as a 60 to 85 seater, although following consultation with launch customer Lufthansa, a 100 seat design was settled upon. Design features included two underwing mounted turbofans and 60% structural and systems commonality with the 727, including the same fuselage cross section (making it wider than the competing five abreast DC-9 and BAC-111).

The 737-100 made its first flight on April 9 1967 and entered service in February 1968 with Lufthansa, while the last of 30 built was delivered to Malaysia-Singapore Airlines in October 1969.

By this time however the larger capacity 1.93m (6ft 4in) stretched 737-200 was in service after it had made its first flight on August 8 1967. First delivery, to United, was that December.

Developments of the -200 include the -200C convertible and quick change -200QC, while an unprepared airfield kit was also offered. The definitive Advanced 737-200 appeared in 1971, featuring minor aerodynamic refinements and other improvements.

Sales of the 737-200 far exceeded that of the shorter -100 and the 737-200 remained in production until 1988, by which time it had been superseded by the improved 737-300, after 1114 had been built. Many have been fitted with Stage 3 engine hushkits, and a number of passenger aircraft have been converted with cargo doors.

The USAF ordered 19 as navigation trainers, and some were later converted to standard transport aircraft as CT-43A. A few other air forces received 737-200s to serve in general transport, surveillance or VIP transport tasks.

United States of America

737-100 - Two 62.3kN (14,000lb) Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7 turbofans.

737-200 - Two 64.5kN (14,500lb) JT8D-9As, or two 68.9kN (15,500lb) JT8D-15s, or two 71.2kN (16,000lb) JT8D-17s, or two 77.4kN (17,400lb) JT8D-17Rs with automatic reverse thrust.

737-100 - Max speed 943km/h (509kt), economical cruising speed 852km/h (460kt). Range with max fuel 2855km (1540nm).

737-200 - Max speed 943km/h (509kt), max cruising speed 927km/h (500kt), economical cruising speed 796km/h (430kt). Range with 115 passengers and reserves between 3520km (1900nm) and 4260km (2300nm) depending on weight options and engines.

737-100 - Empty 25,878kg (57,000lb), max takeoff 49,940kg (110,000lb).

737-200 - Operating empty 27,448kg (60,600lb), max takeoff 52,390kg (115,500lb), or optionally 58,740kg (129,500lb).

737-100 - Wing span 28.35m (93ft 0in), length 28.67m (94ft 0in), height 11.29m (37ft 0in). Wing area 91.1m2 (980sq ft).

737-200 - Same except for length 30.53m (100ft 2in).

Flightcrew of two.

737-100 - Typical single class seating for 100.

737-200 - Typical single class seating for 115, max seating for 130 at 74cm (29in) pitch.

737-200C/QC payload 15,545kg (34,270lb), consisting of pallets or containers.

1144 737-100s and 200s built, comprising 30 100s and 1114 200s, including 19 T-43A (737-200) navigation trainers for the USAF and 104 737-200Cs. Approximately 1 737-100 and 550 737-200s remained in commercial and corporate service in early 2005.