Boeing reveals potential timeline if middle-market aircraft is launched

Boeing outlined the design of its projected new midsize airplane (NMA), or middle of the market aircraft, but is keeping the details close to its chest as it waits for the expected response from Airbus. Despite this, the manufacturer confirmed several new configuration details for the first time this week, including the use of a fifth-generation composite wing, a “hybrid” composite fuselage, next-generation digital architecture and super-efficient, very-high-bypass turbofans. A conceptual graphic and side-view profile also showed a clear melding of 777 and 787 design features. Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP & GM airplane development Mike Delaney remained coy about the precise meaning of a “hybrid” fuselage, but it is believed to reflect the proposed geometry of the cross section rather than the choice of structural materials. <br/>