For all of the focus on use of composite materials in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner and, less so, the 747-8, most of the airplanes' increased efficiency comes from engines, and engines control the timing of replacing the workhorse 737.
At least, that's the view of Joe Sutter – the legendary Boeing engineer and father of the 747 and 737.
"The new 747 is about two-thirds engine, one-third aerodynamics" in terms of efficiency improvements, Sutter said last month in a meeting of Boeing Commercial Airplanes' Senior Advisory Group, of which he's a member. "The 787, I'm guessing about 60 percent or so is engine."
Looking at the 737 replacement, he said: "What's going to decide when it's going to be has nothing to do with Boeing or the customer. It's when will the engine people come up with a fifth- or sixth-generation engine. When they're ready, I think Boeing will be ready. What year is that? I don't know."
Boeing and Airbus executives have said they will decide this year whether to......
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