Boeing to roll out software upgrade by end of the month to limit MCAS operation of 737 MAX avionics

SEATTLE – Officials of passenger jet designer Boeing have told airlines that they plan to roll out new software for company-built 737 MAX jets — two of which crashed in the last five months — by the end of the month, according to a report. The New York Post reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

19 March 2019 -- The software upgrade will limit operation of the maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS), which is designed to bring the plane’s nose down if the 737 risks stalling.

Boeing has been developing a flight control software enhancement for the 737 MAX to limit MCAS functionality, which may have played a role in two recent fatal crashes.

The software upgrade “will be deployed across the 737 MAX fleet in the coming weeks. “This includes updates to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight control law, pilot displays, operation manuals and crew training,” Boeing officials say.

Related: Boeing agrees with NTSB and FAA to ground 737 MAX temporarily; President Trump issues executive order

Related: Deadly Boeing crashes raise questions about commercial aircraft avionics automation

Related: Boeing makes a splash in first day at Farnborough, taking orders and options for 100 737 MAX narrow-body jetliners

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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