This animated video released today by Boeing shows loads of details on what we can expect the newest version of the 737 to look like. The 737 MAX is scheduled to enter service in 2017 initially with Southwest Airlines, and it will do all it can to stretch a pound of kerosene as far as possible... those funky advanced technolgy split winglets (that I'm calling splitlets) are claimed to add an additional 1.5% reduction in fuel burn compared to standard winglets. This brings the total winglet advantage now to 5.5% over a traditional wingtip design. (the numbers are approximate, are figured on long range flights, and your mileage may vary : )
I think the splitlets look just fine, and I'm actually most pleased that they'll make spotting a MAX on the ramp a piece of cake. Tho I'll add that the apparent bump near the nose gear (that will accomodate the 8" extension to the nose strut) will also make it easier to ID. I'm a nitpicky whiner tho, and I want to go on record as not liking an external 'bump' to make the longer strut work. I would have fought for a different solution, but I'm weird like that. The longer nose strut is part of the process being put in place to deal with a larger fan diameter on the CFM LEAP engines planned for the aircraft.
I still would rather have seen something more like my 737 USB design that I drew up quite a while back. This would have looked really cool and totally eliminated any ground clearance concerns for the big fans. Oh well, I suppose my lack of a formal education, absolutely no degree, and no practrical experience in airliner design are the primary factors in why Boeing doesn't listen to me. But still.
Anyway, I hope you'll join me in watching the video above and in checking out the pix below showing off those funky splitlets! Oh, and I must say I'm really glad they didn't wind up putting spiroids on the MAX!
Close up of the new 737 MAX winglet design that I call spiltlets (image: Boeing)
Wider view rendering of the 737 MAX and the funky splitlets (image: Boeing)