by Nexus » Thu Jan 19, 2006 5:56 pm
According to my 737 bible, and I quote
"....Changes included new high-lift devices and braking improvements and low-pressure tyres, as well as new deflectors fitted to protect the lower fuselage and engine intakes from scuffed-up stones and debris on rough runways. FAA certification for gravel runway operations was forthcoming in February 1969"
It's no secret that Alaska, Wien Consolidated, Nordair etc used the 737 on unpaved runways.