Originally Posted by Dave Fitzgerald

Seems no t many have been paying attention to the structural studies Boeing has been doing.



Based on a carbon structure, you don't need a circular fuselage crossection any more. There are huge structural benefits to vary the crossection. The studies have focused on a dual aisle, double bubble. But Boeing has been concerned with customer acceptance because not many will have a window.



Structure, weight, volumetric efficiency, all argue a non-traditional fuselage. I'm betting the double bubble makes the grade. Last year, Aviation Week had some pretty good articles. That kind of fuselage also allows the use of existing gate space. Lots of reasons to do it. Not many to stick with the traditional dual aisle.