Mid Size Passenger Jets
Overview
The Boeing 737-500 is the smallest member of the 737 Classic series. Introduced in the late 1980s, it was designed as a replacement for earlier 737-200 aircraft. The model provided improved efficiency and updated avionics.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 2 × CFM56-3B1
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 2 × 20,100 lbf · 89 kN
- Avionics
- Boeing Commercial Airplanes
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 132
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 11 ft 7 in · 3.54 m
- Cabin height
- 7 ft 0 in · 2.13 m
- Cabin length
- —
- Exterior length
- 101 ft 9 in · 31.01 m
- Tail height
- 20 ft 2 in · 6.15 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 13 ft 2 in · 4.01 m
- Wing span
- 94 ft 9 in · 28.88 m
- Baggage volume
- 1,374 ft³ · 38.9 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 150,000 lb · 68,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- 110,000 lb · 49,900 kg
- Max payload
- —
- Fuel capacity
- 5,300 gal · 20,100 L · 16,100 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 492 kt · 566 mph · 911 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- 128 kt · 147 mph · 237 km/h
- Range
- 2,950 nm · 3,390 mi · 5,460 km
- Fuel burn
- —
- Ceiling
- 37,000 ft · 11,300 m
- Rate of climb
- 3,000 ft/min · 15 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 8,700 ft · 2,650 m
- Landing distance
- 4,600 ft · 1,400 m
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Operational Context
Boeing 737-500 — short-fuselage single-aisle jetliner
The 737-500 first flew in 1989 and entered service in 1990. It features a shorter fuselage compared with the 737-300 and -400 while incorporating CFM56 engines. The aircraft retained the basic 737 airframe and low-mounted swept wing configuration.
Powered by two CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 20,000 pounds of thrust (89 kN) each, the 737-500 cruises at around 450 knots (833 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 130,000 pounds (58,967 kg). Seating typically ranges from 108 to 132 passengers depending on layout.
The 737-500 served airlines worldwide on short- and medium-haul routes. Many aircraft have since been retired or converted to specialized roles. The model was an important part of the 737 Classic generation.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.