Mcdonnell Douglas MD-81
The McDonnell Douglas MD-81 is the original version of the MD-80 series, a stretched, re-engined development of the earlier DC-9 with quieter, more fuel-efficient engines. Its longer fuselage carried more passengers than any DC-9 variant before it, while the new engines cut both noise and fuel burn substantially. It launched an entire family of MD-80 variants that became one of the most common narrow-body jets of the 1980s and 1990s. Scandinavian carrier SAS and Italy's Alitalia were among its most significant early customers.
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Did you know?
The MD-81 launched the MD-80 family, a stretched, re-engined DC-9 development with quieter, more fuel-efficient engines than its predecessor.
Specifications
| Length | 45.1 m (148 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 32.9 m (108 ft) |
| Height | 9 m (30 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 155 |
| Persons on board | 142-172 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 67.8 t |
| Range | 1,565 NM (2,898 km) |
| Maximum speed | 500 kt (926 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 37,000 ft (11,278 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 33,000 ft (10,058 m) |
| Rate of climb | 2,400 ft/min (12.2 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 1,966 m (6,450 ft) |
| Landing distance | 1,478 m (4,849 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 26,100 l |
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-209 |
| Units built | 132 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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