Almost, but not exactly, and is not the same as the 737. The difference is in the aft lower lobe. I will answer the specific question later, but first I will explain the shape most Boeing fuselages.

From the 707 to the 767, all Boeing fuselages were shaped as a double bubble. It consists of a circular upper lobe and a circular lower lobe, always a different diameter with different center points joined at the passenger floor.

I believe the double bubble started with the 377 Stratocruser which used the B-29 lower lobe and a larger diameter upper lobe to carry a larger passenger cabin. I also believe this was the last passenger plane to be based largely on a bomber design.

The Stratocruiser with a noticeable double bubble fuselage, and one of the ugliest passenger planes ever built.

The 707, 727, 737, and 757 all have the same basic [Edit:] fuselage cross section with a larger upper lobe and a smaller lower lobe. The 757 has a very different nose and cockpit than the others.

The Boeing single aisle cross section. Notice the dimple at the outside of the fuselage at the passenger floor.

The Airbus 320 and Comac 919 have a similar larger diameter upper lobe, but with a smoother blending of them to make an oval cross section.

The Comac 919 (left) compared to the A320. As the later designed A320 was larger than the 737, the 919 is larger than the A320.

Now back to the 757. The 707, 727, 737, and 757 all share a common forward fuselage. The 727 had a different aft fuse lower lobe to accommodate the rear engine, T-tail design. The 757 was developed from the 727 but needed a new rear fuselage. Boeing decided to incorporate a rear cargo hold that is 4” taller than the forward cargo hold and both holds of the 737.

727 and 757–300 rear fuselage loading into the final body join position.

The original concept was that the rear cargo hold could use cargo containers and a cargo handling system was offered as an option, but no airline ordered. Later the A320 used a similar taller cargo bay for both forward and aft fuselage.

The 747 flipped the concept upside down incorporating the 707 fuselage for the upper forward lobe and a lower lobe with the main cabin and cargo hold.


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Last Update: February 17, 2025