I read an (opinion)) article earlier today that claimed the original 737 airframe design could no longer cope with the size, power and range design considerations of the latest models.
The only way to keep ahead of the curve was via software enhancements to the plane’s guidance system (like the MAX flight support package). The remarks were pretty negative in total..
If I can retrieve it, I’ll post the link later in the thread, unless someone else can find it in the meantime
If you read it it has to be true.
I have read that Boeing was going for a total replacement for the 737 along the 787 design type and the final decision was to upgrade current 737 with larger and further forward engines causing more lift on take off and a software fix was put in to compensate for that by pitching down to prevent a stall situation and not knowing this mod caused pilot error.
All on Boeing
The Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight control law was designed and certified for the 737 MAX to enhance the pitch stability of the airplane – so that it feels and flies like other 737s. ... particularly at slow speeds and high angles of attack (AOA). https://airlinerwatch.com/how-mcas-system-of-boeing-737-max-works/
Not only did I read it on the INTERNET, but I read it on FReeRepublic even
So it must be PLATINUM
Flawed: Why the Boeing 737 Max Should Be Permanently Grounded
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3750101/posts
WSJ reported the new engines were too heavy and too far forward for the airplane’s frame.