The 757–200, which started its development in 1974, will fly for the first time early in 1982. When this aircraft enters airline service in January 1983, it will set new standards for quiet, fuel-efficient operation. The roots of the current 757 configuration go back to the 727–300 study programme. The design evolution proceeded through the 7N7 study programme which lasted from early 1976 through 1977, and developed into the 757–200 now in production (Fig. 1).