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Product Name: MD-11
Product Description
The MD-11, the world's only modern large, wide-cabin trijet, offers a highly
sophisticated flight deck and advanced automatic system controls that
substantially reduce pilot workload. In service with customers in all parts of
the world, the MD-11 was produced in Long Beach, California, at the Douglas
Products Division of the Boeing Commercial Airplanes until February 2001. A
worldwide network of subcontractors and suppliers supported the assembly line.
The MD-11 was available in four models -- passenger, all freighter,
convertible freighter and "combi," where passengers and freight are
carried on the main deck with additional freight carried below the deck. An
extended-range (ER) feature was available on all versions.
Seating capacities on the standard airplane vary from 285 in a three-class
arrangement to 410 in an all-economy configuration. Below the main deck, the
MD-11 provides more space for containerized or palletized cargo after passenger
bags are loaded than any other jetliner, yielding important additional revenue
for its operators.
Advances in aerodynamics, propulsion, aircraft systems, cockpit avionics and
interior design contribute to the performance and operating economy of all MD-11
models. Aerodynamic improvements include winglets and a redesigned wing trailing
edge, a smaller horizontal tail with integral fuel tanks and an extended tail
cone. These features reduce drag, save fuel and add range.
The nonstop range of the standard MD-11 operating at a maximum takeoff weight
of 602,500 pounds (273,290 kg) is approximately 7,630 statute miles (12,270 km)
with 285 passengers and their bags. The extended-range version of the MD-11,
equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank and operating at a higher maximum takeoff
weight of 630,500 pounds (285,990 kg), has a range of approximately 8,225
statute miles (13,230 km).
Three engines -- General Electric CF6-80C2, Pratt & Whitney 4460, and
Pratt & Whitney 4462 -- are offered to power the MD-11, providing maximum
efficiency in their thrust class.
The advanced flight deck features six cathode ray tube displays, digital
instrumentation, wind-shear detection and guidance devices, a dual flight
management system that helps conserve fuel and a dual digital automatic flight
control system (autopilot) with fail operational capability. Computerized system
controllers perform automated normal, abnormal and emergency checklist duties
for major systems, reducing flight crew requirements from three to two persons.
Industry-standard interlinked wheel-and-column controls enhance crew
communications and situation awareness at all times.
The MD-11 was launched on Dec. 30, 1986. Assembly of the first unit began
March 9, 1988. First flight was on Jan. 10, 1990. Certification occurred Nov. 8,
1990, with first delivery on Dec. 7. For comparison, the MD-11 is 200 feet 10
inches (61.2 m) long, or 18.6 feet (5.66 m) longer than the earlier DC-10 trijet,
and carries about 50 more passengers.
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