Konzept hinter der McDonnell Douglas MD-87

MD-87-Prototyp/Courtesy and Copyright: md80design

Dieser folgende Text stammt von McDonnell Douglas, ca. 1984

Launching of the MD-87, our new smaller version of the MD-80 twin-jet, was announced last month; delivery to airlines is planned in 1987. A 33-month programme has been scheduled to design, manufacture, flight test and certify the aircraft. The decision to launch the MD-87 came after detailed studies of its market potential and negotiations with airlines around the world. The new twin-jet  is expected to expand the appeal and versatility of the MD-80 family. It was initiated because many airlines throughout the world have expressed interest in the MD-87 as a companion to other MD-80s.

The design intent for the MD-87 is to offer airlines the lowest costs per aeroplane-kilometre of any advanced technology  aeroplane in its class. We believe that where traffic is suited to a smaller aircraft, the MD-87 will be an ideal complement to the larger MD-80s. Compared to the MD-82, most common of the series currently in service, the MD-87 will reduce direct operating costs per trip by 8 to 10 percent, according to our present estimates.

When greater passenger capacity is needed, one of the other MD-80 models can be used to archieve lower costs per seat. With passenger configurations ranging from 109 to a maximum of 172 seats an dthe range capability varying from short hauls to transcontinental US or Australia service, we now can offer the airlines a twin-jet family with what we believe to be outstanding trip and seat economics and unparalleled flexibility. As a companion to other MD-80s, the MD-87 can give airlines maximum flexibility in meeting a wide range of service requirements. It can replace older, less efficient and noisier aircraft similar size and can meet growth needs for airlines currently flying smaller equipment.

Frühe Modellzeichnung der MD-87 mit hinterer Servicetür/Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas/1984   Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas

Commonality assured

The standard maximum take-off gross mass of the MD-87 is 63,500 kilograms. A 67800-kg option also will be available with use of auxiliary fuel tanks. The MD-87 retains the same efficient, high-aspect ratio wings, digital cockpit features, advanced materials and quiet roomy interior as the three larger MD-80 models. However, ist fuselage is shorter by 5,3 metres. Typical passenger capacity is 130 in a single-class arrangement and 109 in mixed class, compared to 155 single class and 142 mixed class in the other MD-80s. The high degree of commonality of the MD-87 with the rest of the MD-80 family will minimize costs for airlines which operate more than one version through the use of the same training equipment and servicing facilites. Because the flight deck and flying characteristics of the MD-87 are nearly identical to the other models, flight crews can be quickly and easily cross-qualified to opearte any aeroplane in the series.

Two quiet and fuel-efficient Pratt&Whitney JT8D-217B engines, each developing 90 kN of take-off thrust, will power the MD-87, although other engines in the -200 series may be ordered. Technical advancements incorporated into the -217B engines reduce specific fuel consumption by two per cent, compared with present -217A versions. (Engine and nacelle designplus liberal use of sound absorption materials will enable all MD-80s to meet the latest stringent noise regulations governing new designs. The powerful engines and the efficient wing, combined with the MD-87´s reduced weight and fuselage size, are expected to give the new twin-jet excellent field length performance and superior range.

For example, the MD-87 will be able to carry a full load of passengers and baggage a distance of over 4,300 km and still take off within 1830 m of runway. This capability permits airlines to operate MD-87s efficiently from short runways, while moving up in size, range and comfort from smaller aircraft. Optional supplemental fuel tanks combined with the higher gross mass option can extend the MD-87´s maximum range with full passenger loads to about 5250 km.

Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas/1984

Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas

Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas

Im Moment des Aufsetzens wurde hier der MD-87-Prototyp fotografiert/ Courtesy: Michael Carter

Der MD-87-Prototyp mit den Stickern der Kunden. Leider wurde der Prototyp vor einigen Jahren verschrottet... Courtesy: McDonnell Douglas

Austrian Airlines war die Fluggesellschaft, die erstmals die MD-87 im Liniendienst einsetzte. Source:?