Boeing 737's Simplified Landing Gear Design Trades Aerodynamics for Cost Savings
The Boeing 737's design choice to omit main landing gear doors has been preserved over the years, despite minor aerodynamic trade-offs. This decision was rooted in the aircraft's original operational needs in the 1960s, where simplicity and ground accessibility were more important than aerodynamic finesse.
Targeting short routes to basic airfields, Boeing prioritized reducing maintenance complexity and weight over fuel savings for short-haul operations. The omission of gear doors cut maintenance needs and weight, outweighing potential fuel savings.
To compensate for the exposed gear, Boeing uses rubber seals and wheel covers that smooth airflow around the landing gear. This pragmatic fix minimizes drag penalties while preserving the design's cost and reliability advantages.