Hexcel’s composite materials have been used in the airframe and engines of the first member of Boeing’s efficient 737 MAX family to deliver superior strength, stiffnes and light weight. Hexcel and Boeing together celebrated the first test flight of the 737 MAX 8, Hexcel said in a media release.

Hexcel’s HexTow IM7 carbon fibre was used to manufacture all the CFM International LEAP-1 engine fan blades and containment cases which would deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort with 20 per cent lower fuel use, according to Boeing.

The aircraft’s engine nacelles have an acoustic inner barrel that is manufactured from Hexcel’s Acousti-Cap technology. This technology has a permeable cap material which is individually embedded into each honeycomb cell to create an acoustic septum, leading to the reduction of the area of acceptable noise contour of the 737 MAX engine by 40 per cent, without any weight penalty.

The 737 MAX 8 is the first member in Boeing’s new single-aisle airplanes which began its flight testing. The 737 MAX have the capability to fly more than 6,510 kilometres. Delivery of the first 737 MAX has been scheduled for the third quarter of 2017. (NA)