It is not uncommon for manufacturers to create new sub-variants of their aircraft types to offer benefits such as a longer range. However, in the case of the Boeing 777-200, there are two such versions: the 777-200LR ('Long Range') and the 777-200ER ('Extended range'). But what are the differences between the two designs?

How the 777 came to be

Designed to fill a gap between the 767 and 747 while replacing older DC-10 and L-1011 'TriStar' widebodies, Boeing came up with a plan to make a bigger 767 that they tentatively named the 767-X. The initial design for the 767-X featured a longer fuselage and larger wings fitted with winglets. Boeing soon extended the fuselage cross-section but retained the 767 cockpit, nose, and other elements.

However, airlines seemed to be on a different page to Boeing, wanting a much broader, more fuel-efficient plane than the 767-X. The interior also needed to be flexible, and the aircraft had to be capable of flying intercontinental routes.

Read the latest Boeing news here!

The 777 was born

Due to the airlines' demands, Boeing needed to scrap the 767-X idea and develop a brand new plane. Working together with carriers including the likes of All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and United Airlines, Boeing developed the widebody 777.

US legacy carrier United ultimately became the launch customer for this type, placing an order for 34 planes (with an option for 34 more) on October 14th, 1990. Later that decade, June 7th, 1995, saw the standard 777-200 model enter service with the very same airline - its time as a commercial jet had begun.

The 777-200LR has a longer range

Now that it had created and launched the standard widebody aircraft that airlines wanted, Boeing began work on the 777-200ER, which was an extended-range version of the plane. With greater long-haul capabilities, the jet became the most widely ordered version of the 777 right through the early 2000s.

Meanwhile, the FAA and EASA certified another long-range subvariant, known as the 777-200LR, in February 2006. Its first commercial operator was Pakistan International Airlines. It made history in November 2005 when it operated the longest flight by an airliner, flying the long way round from Hong Kong to London. According to Upgraded Points, this was 21,602 km (11,664 NM) long.

Boeing 777-200ER specifications

• Passengers (3-class): 301
• Range: 7,065 NM (13,080 km)
• Length: 63.7 m (209 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 64.8 m (212 ft 7 in)
• Height: 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in)
• Engine (2x): Pratt & Whitney PE4090; Rolls-Royce Trent 800; General Electric GE90-94B

Specifications Boeing 777-200LR

• Passengers (3-class): 301
• Range: 8,555 NM (15,843 km)
• Length: 63.7 m (209 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 64.8 m (212 ft 7 in)
• Height: 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in)
• Engine (2x):GE90-110B; GE90-115B

Of the two, the 777-200ER was the best seller

Developed alongside the larger 777-300ER, the -200LR has an increased maximum takeoff weight and optional extra fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold. Additional features include a redesigned landing gear and 12.8 ft (3.90 m) wingtip extensions.

As is evident from the statistics above, the two longer-range 777-200 models are largely similar, but the 'LR' version can fly further. However, as Simple Flying explored earlier this year, the aircraft's range was, if anything, too long, and one of the reasons behind its limited sales. You can find out more in our article here.

The 777-200LR was also the plane Boeing used for the freighter version of the aircraft. As far as sales are concerned, the Boeing 777-200ER far outsold the 777-200LR with 422 deliveries compared to just 61. Despite its lower range, it is plain to see that the ER version was (and remains) more popular with airlines.

What's the longest flight you have ever had on a Boeing 777-200ER or 777-200LR? Which of these long-range sub-variants do you prefer? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

Sources: Boeing, Modern Airliners, Upgraded Points

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker