Made even more difficult by the many iterations of the Boeing 737, the Boeing narrow-bodies can be hard to tell apart. Having already explored the features of the manufacturer’s array of wide-bodies, we turn our eyes to the smaller aircraft in Boeing’s fleet.
The Boeing 717
Originally a successor to the MD-90 before McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997, the Boeing 717 is on its way out of the skies. In fact, it’s only operated by two airlines, Delta and Hawaiian, the former of which aims to retire it this year. Because it was initially designed by McDonnell Douglas, it looks very similar to their other short-haul aircraft.
The key difference which the Boeing 717 has is that its engines sit lower down on the aircraft, situated just in front of the tail. Telling it apart from the other regional jets of today can be easy, just make sure to look at the cockpit windows. The out-most windows have an angled bottom edge found on other Boeing aircraft.
The Boeing 737 Classic
In general, all Boeing 737 variants can be defined by their sharper, pointy nose. The engine nacelles are also non-circular in shape to allow for how low the Boeing 737’s fuselage sits. Any larger shape would mean that the engines touched the ground. Boeing 737s also have tail skids on the back of the aircraft to prevent tail strikes.
The 737 Classic follows the original generation of Boeing 737 aircraft, and includes the -300, -400 and -500 variants. It’s becoming increasingly scarce, often now only being operated by some charter airlines or remote cargo carriers. The first variant, the -300, first flew in 1984 and is the medium sized of the three. Most Boeing 737 classic examples can be spotted by a distinct lack of winglets, however this is the same on the Boeing 737-600 as well. Compared to the Boeing 737 NG, the differences are subtle, with the classic series having smaller engines and a smaller vertical stabilizer.
Older Boeing narrow-body aircraft feature small extra cockpit windows situated just above the main ones. These are commonly referred to as ‘Eyebrow windows’. They were originally built on all Boeing 737 classic examples, and some older Boeing 737 NGs. The purpose of these is to provide for increased visibility for the pilots. However, some airlines later plugged these windows due to issues with sunlight blinding those in the cockpit.
The Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG)
The key to recognizing the Boeing 737 NG is all about the winglets. Most 737 NGs feature blended winglets, whereas some newer NG examples feature split scimitar winglets. These look similar to a blended winglet. However, it looks like they have a smaller, upside-down winglet protruding from the underside of the wing. Likewise, the MAX also features similar winglets, although, on the 737 NG, split scimitar winglets have small points at the top and bottom of the winglet, while the MAX’s winglet is roughly equally sized on top and bottom.
When Boeing produced the 737NG, they also updated the landing lights. The outboard landing lights on the 737 classic are featured on a flap-track fairing. Flap track fairings are the small, ‘pod-like’ structures on the underside of the wing. On the other hand, the outboard landing lights on the 737 NG are retractable, and come down from the underside of the fuselage.
The Boeing 737 MAX
The 737 MAX is essentially a Boeing 737 NG with updated engines and a few added systems. This means that the engines are the giveaway for the 737 MAX, being much wider in diameter. Engines on the MAX also feature Chevrons – small ridges that line the back of the engines. In addition to increasing efficiency, they’re designed to reduce noise. Moreover, the 737 MAX’s engines are situated further in front of the wing than the 737NG’s.
The Boeing 757
Nearing retirement due to being less efficient than more modern aircraft, the Boeing 757 has become key to the long-haul, low-demand sector. It’s the only Boeing-narrow body to have four wheels on each main landing gear. This also differentiates it from its often-compared Airbus counterpart, the A321neo. Furthermore, the bogies tilt slightly backwards, helping to accommodate for smoother landings.
There are two main variants of the Boeing 757, the 757-200 and -300. The 757-300 is the longer of the two. To comply with safety standards it has two extra emergency exits on each side of the aircraft, situated above the wing.
Whilst recognizing different Boeing short-haulers can be tricky, you can always check your work with Flightradar24. Have you got any tips for spotting the Boeing narrow-bodies? Let us know in the comments below.
