The Boeing Business Jet series are factory conversions of the Boeing 737 airliners for the corporate jet market. This aircraft usually seats between 25 and 50 passengers within a luxurious configuration. This may include a master bedroom, a washroom with shower(s), a conference/dining area, and a living area in the most common layout. The Boeing Business Jet is a 50/50 partnership between Boeing Commercial Airplanes and General Electric.
The latest versions of the BBJs include configurations based on the Boeing 787 and the Boeing 747-8. However, the details of this configurations have not been disclosed yet.
General
The Boeing BBJ is primarily a 737 commercial airframe with various modifications to provide for private jet service. The BBJ 1 is based off of a 737-700 airframe, with elements from the 737-800 included. The BBJ2 and BBJ3 are based off of the 737-800 and 737-900 series, respectively. All models include certain non-specific changes to the airframe regardless of the BBJ series.
Changes from the normal 737 include:
- Blended winglets for additional fuel economy (5-7% improvement)
- Self-contained airstairs for landing at airports with limited ground support
- Additional fuel tanks, for intercontinental range
- ETOPS-180 certification
Additionally, the BBJ1 contains the following items from the 737-800 (moot on the BBJ2 and BBJ3):
- Wings
- Center section
- Aft section
- Landing gear
After the launch of the BBJ, Airbus followed suit with the launch of their Airbus ACJ based off of their A319 commercial airframe. More recently, they have also launched the longer range A318 Elite. Even with these competitors, the Boeing BBJ is currently the largest production business jet on the market. Other competitors on the smaller end of the market include the Embraer Lineage 1000, the Bombardier Global Express and the Gulfstream G550.
Models
Smaller models
- BBJ or less frequently, BBJ1 is based on the 737-700, and formed the basis for the 737-700ER. This was the initial variant. In U.S. Air Force service, this is known as the C-40B Clipper.
- BBJ2 is based on the 737-800.
- BBJ3 is based on the 737-900ER.
- BBJ C is a proposed variant of the BBJ featuring the "quick change" capabilities of the 737-700C. This would allow the aircraft to be used for executive duty during one flight, and to be quickly reconfigured for cargo duty for the next flight. The decision on approval is expected before the end of 2006.[1]
Larger models
- BBJ VIP 747 is the term used (by Boeing) to describe the VIP version of the 747 ordered by the Boeing Business Jet division. Currently there are 4 orders for this aircraft. The company says the VIP 747 is delivered by BBJ in a "green" condition, meaning there are no interior furnishings so that the owner can design it to their own preferences.
- BBJ VIP 787 is the term used (by Boeing) to describe the VIP version of the 787 ordered by the Boeing Business Jet division. Currently there are 5 orders for this aircraft. The company says the VIP 787 is delivered by BBJ in a "green" condition, meaning there are no interior furnishings so that the owner can design it to their own preferences.
Specifications (BBJ2)
General characteristics
- Crew: 3 (pilot, co-pilot, Optional Flight Attendant)
- Capacity: 24-63
- Length: 39.47 m (126 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 35.79 m (117 ft 5 in)
- Height: 12.05 m (41 ft 2 in)
- Empty: 45,730 kg (100,815 lb)
- Maximum takeoff: 79,015 kg (174,200 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans, 117.4kN (26,400 lbf) thrust each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 890 km/h (481kt, Mach 0.82)
- Range: 10,620 km (5,735 nm)
- Service ceiling: 12,496 m (41,000 ft)
- Rate of climb: (Unknown)
- Wing loading: (Unknown)
- Thrust-to-weight: 0.52:1
Related content
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Airbus ACJ
- Airbus A318 Elite
- Bombardier Global 5000
- Bombardier Global XRS
- Embraer Lineage 1000
- Gulfstream V
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