Certainly, the Boeing 777 is a revolutionary plane. It not only revolutionized aviation efficiency but also paved the way for twin-engine, ultra-long-range aircraft. In the past, only quadjets like the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A340 were allowed to fly ultra-long distances. Even though the Boeing 777-300ER is the most flown long-haul twin-jet plane right now, the 777-9X is almost ready to pass it.
There are a lot of distinctions between these two planes despite the fact that they are so similar. The Boeing 777-9X and the 777-300ER look quite similar, with the exception of the 777-9X’s extra length. However, the wings, engines, and electronics make the most noticeable distinctions. Passengers won’t notice much of a change, but airlines will care greatly about it.
The similarities and differences between the Boeing 777-9X and the 777-300ER will be discussed.
Length
When compared to the Boeing 777-300ER, the 777-9X is a significantly longer aircraft. The latter measures close to 77 meters in length, while the former approaches 74 meters. The 777-9X’s additional 2.9 meters of length allow for a versatile three rows of seats in the cabin.
The Boeing 777-9X will be able to transport 414 passengers in a two-class configuration, whereas the 777-300ER is limited to 396.
The 777-9X and the 777-300ER are equally capable of traveling 13,500 kilometers.
Wingspan
The wings of the Boeing 777-9X are significantly different from those of the Boeing 777-300ER. Both the 777-8X and the 777-9X are 15% larger than the 777-300ER in terms of wing span. If the wings are to be used in standard airport gates, their tips must fold upward. The 777X’s wings may fold in a manner analogous to those of carrier-based military jets like the F/A-18, F-4 Phantom, and A-7 Corsair.
When compared to its predecessor, the Boeing 777-300ER, the 777X has a larger wingspan of 71.75 meters. The 777X has a folded wingspan of 64.85 meters, making it nearly identical to the 777-300ER.
The 777-9X’s revised wing shape improves the plane’s efficiency by providing greater lift and less drag. Also unlike its predecessor is the composite materials used in the wings, also contributing to its efficiency.
Engines
The Boeing 777-9X uses the GE9X-105B high-bypass turbofan engines while the 777-300ER uses GE90-115B engines. When compared to the GE90, the GE9X offers a 10% improvement in fuel economy. Its overall pressure ratio of 61:1 should allow it to produce 5% lower TSFC (thrust specific fuel consumption) than the Rolls Royce XWB-97 seen on the Airbus A350, while also having maintenance costs similar to those of the GE90-115B.
Improvements in propulsion efficiency due to the GE9X fan’s increased bypass ratio are mostly responsible for the efficiency gain. The intended bypass ratio is 10:1. Its 134-inch diameter enclosure is where the fan resides. The GE90 has 22 and the GEnx has 18, but the GE9X only has 16. This reduces the engine’s weight.
Steel is used on the leading edges of the blades while glass fiber is used on the following edges to better absorb bird impacts than carbon fiber. The majority of the fan blades are made from a fourth-generation carbon fiber composite material, which makes them lighter, thinner, stronger, and more efficient. The use of composite material for the fan housing also helps to minimize the unit’s overall weight.
When operational, the GE9X engines will be the largest and most powerful commercial airplane engines ever created. They have a thrust of 110,000 lbf each. The new engines found on the Boeing 777-9X will be able to cut emissions by 30% and significantly less fuel compared to the GE90-115B found on the 777-300ER.
Avionics and cabin changes
The Boeing 777-9X will have better technology in the cockpit, including as turbulence detectors and updated autopilot systems. Passengers may expect to see larger windows, greater room, better lighting, and a newly planned cabin arrangement.
The Boeing 777-300ER will continue to fly for at least another decade, but its successor, the 777-9X, will soon take its place. With 115 orders, Emirates is the aircraft’s largest customer. Additionally, 74 of these planes have been ordered by Qatar Airways.
As a whole, airlines are looking forward to the Boeing 777-9X’s commercial debut because it will be 15% more efficient than the 777-300ER. As of this writing, the first scheduled commercial flight of the brand new plane is still not until early 2025. We can only hope that this plane makes it to the airlines as quickly as possible, and that there are no further delays.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
