- Airbus designed the A320neo because the A320ceo’s range and economics on some routes lagged behind the NG, which had engines and wings that were a generation newer.
- Boeing wanted to try and maintain an advantage over Airbus. It’s customers didn’t want to pay more for a clean sheet airplane, so it went with the MAX.
- Boeing has been consistent in saying that it would have preferred a clean sheet narrow body, but the market had no interest. You don’t invest billions in a product your customer won’t buy.
- The C-Series/A220 is made of aluminum and destroyed Bombardier. It is a horrible example of a development program.
- There’s no feasible plan to economically make 50-70 carbon fiber airframes a year. It’s not clear there’s a benefit to have a carbon fiber narrow body.
- All modern airplanes have aerodynamic flaws that are corrected by software. If you don’t want to fly on an airplane with software, you need to stay home.
- As the public and airlines push for more fuel efficiency, there will be more substantial software corrections required.
- Engine placement on the MAX improved the COG and handling characteristics. Under certain extreme conditions, there’s too much lift and MCAS is intended to smooth out the handling. A good analogy is a car: you want linear increase in force as you steer and brake. If it got easier, it’d be difficult to respond.