B737 NG Differences
Technical Specifications
The main differences between the NG series lie in the aircraft dimensions and operating weights (with the relevant note that the -600 series does not have winglets).
Weights
| Item | -600 | -700 | -800 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Taxi Weight (MTW) | 146,000 | 155,000 | 174,900 |
| MTOW | 145,500 | 154,000 | 174,200 |
| MLW | 120,500 | 129,200 | 146,300 |
| MZFW | 113,500 | 121,700 | 138,300 |
Air Conditioning systems
The -600/-700 aircraft only uses air system packs, while the -800 also includes the Trim Air system. The -600/-700 series uses an automatic temperature controller that, with inputs from the flight deck temperature selectors and cabin air temperature sensors, adjust the packs to maintain selected temperature.
Another notable difference is that the -800 has two recirc fan switches, as opposed to the single switch on the -600/-700 series. Thus, on the -600/-700 series, selecting any pack to high flow will shutdown the recirc fan; on the -800 the recirc fans shutdown based on more complex logic.
Additionally, only the -800 contains the FWD and AFT cabin zones. The smaller series aircraft only have the cabin zone as a whole.
Pressurization
The overboard exhaust valve functions the same on all series aircraft, with the notable difference that the valve can be automatically opened in flight by selecting the recirc fan switch to OFF.
Exits
All exterior doors are the same, except that the -700 series only contains a single overwing exit, as opposed to two per side. This also results in extra exterior emergency lights on the -800 to accommodate the extra exits.
Flight instruments
The go-around reference bug on the -700 series indicates Vref+15, while on the -800 it indicates Vref+20.
Additionally, the PLI only shows when flaps are extended on the -700, while the -800 also shows it when speed is low.
Warning Systems
The -800 has a tailskid to protect against over-rotation, while the -700 does not.
Short Field Performance
The -800 series include an Short Field Performance kit, which includes: