Why didn't Boeing adopt the canard design for the 7E7?

[dwightlooi]

I can understand why the Sonic cruiser makes little business sense. And, I totally agree that an economical twin in the 250-300 passenger range makes more sense. In fact, if they had pushed ahead with the sonic cruiser I would probably have dumped my Boeing stocks!

Nonetheless, one thing puzzles me -- why didn't Boeing stick with the canard configuration with buried engine nacelles ala Sonic Cruiser?

I am not an aerodynamics expert, but my amatuerish knowledge tells me that a canard design is not necessarily a high speed design and that it can be configured for a lower cruise speed and greater economy as well. A canard with less sweep, altered wing cord and air foil profile can likely make an effcient airplane designed for mach 0.85 rather than .95. It also puzzles me why no major airliner has yet adopted the canard profile. With the canard making lift instead of the tail making negative downforce, it should theoretically be more efficient. At the very least it'll draw a lot of attention and sometimes perceived technological advance is as important as measurable ones.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe the canards will interfere with airport boarding skyways. But Boeing apparently didn't think so when it was touting the Sonic Cruiser!

[jerre]

the buried engine nacelles are more difficult to maintain and cause more damage in case of a failure. Also, fitting other engines would be more difficult.

As for the canard, it would probably require changement in infrastructure, but for the 747, it had to be done too...

[Aviation_Enthusiast]

I suppose one of the reasons behind it may have something to do with a lack of support from the airlines themselves. Why purchase an airliner, which is probably equal in overal performance and passenger capacity to a Boeing 767 when the latter can perform exactly the same? The fuel costs may be reduced, but there no point replacing perfectly good airliners before the end of their time. Even if they could improve fuel economy by 50% or more, its doubtful airlines would purchase them for that reason alone.