BBJ Performance Enhancement Package Could Reduce Takeoff Distance 500 Feet

Weeks prior to the initial type certification of the BBJ, Boeing Business Jets already is developing an optional enhanced performance system (EPS). Increasing engine thrust from 26,400 pounds to 27,300 pounds will cut takeoff distances by up to 300 feet. When departing from hot-and-high airports, additional takeoff thrust will increase allowable takeoff weight by 3,000 pounds, resulting in a range boost of up to 300 miles. For example, when departing from a 5,000-foot elevation airport in ISA+20 degree conditions, a BBJ fitted with the EPS will be able to fly 6,000 miles.

Also included in the EPS will be eight-feet-high, Aviation Partners-designed winglets. The lift-over-drag improvement of the winglets could shave an additional 200 to 300 feet from takeoff distances.

After type certification and receiving its Certificate of Airworthiness in early November, the BBJ on display at Signature will be prepared for additional aerodynamic flight tests in December. Baseline load analysis, followed by winglet load analysis, will be done in January 1999, according to Borge Boeskov, president of Boeing Business Jets. After the outer wing panels are structurally modified to take the tip loads imposed by the winglets, aerodynamic tests will be performed in May or June 1999, thereby allowing EPS to be offered to customers in the third quarter. EPS will be available for both retrofit and forward fit. It will be priced at $1.5 million. Virtually all initial customers have expressed their intent to order the system, according to Boeskov.

By Fred George