MAX right on track

MAX right on track:
from Randy's Journal by Randy Tinseth
Just a few weeks after announcing that the 737 MAX reached “Firm Concept,” the program has released the first design drawing on the program of the thrust reverser actuation system, or TRAS.

Here’s a brand new image of the 737 MAX. While you can’t see the TRAS, this does show the cowling where the thrust reverser is stowed.

As a key part of the propulsion system, the TRAS opens up the nacelle when applying reverse thrust and, when the pilot is finished, stows back into place. The plan is to keep the TRAS design on the MAX mostly common with the Next-Generation 737.

The bulk of design releases will happen after the program begins the official design phase in mid-2013. But by finalizing the propulsion system first, the program stays on schedule. That’s good news for us—and our customers.