Narrowbody · ICAO MD82

Mcdonnell Douglas MD-82

The McDonnell Douglas MD-82 is an upgraded version of the original MD-81, fitted with more powerful engines and a higher maximum weight for better performance from shorter or higher-altitude airports. It became the best-selling variant of the entire MD-80 family, widely flown by airlines across North America and Europe. Its extra power made it particularly well suited to operators flying from airports with shorter runways or in hot climates, where thinner air reduces engine performance. Its popularity helped keep the MD-80 production line running for well over a decade.

Mcdonnell Douglas MD-82, example photo from Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wilfredor · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Did you know?

The MD-82 became the best-selling MD-80 variant, its extra engine power suited to airlines flying from shorter or hot, high-altitude airports.

Specifications

Length45.1 m (148 ft)
Wingspan32.9 m (108 ft)
Height9 m (30 ft)
Maximum passengers172
Persons on board142-172
Maximum take-off weight67.8 t
Range2,050 NM (3,797 km)
Maximum speed500 kt (926 km/h)
Service ceiling37,000 ft (11,278 m)
Optimum ceiling33,000 ft (10,058 m)
Rate of climb2,500 ft/min (12.7 m/s)
Take-off distance2,270 m (7,448 ft)
Landing distance1,500 m (4,921 ft)
Fuel capacity22,100 l
Engines2x Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217
Units built569

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.

In CatchFlights

In CatchFlights the Mcdonnell Douglas MD-82 starts as a Rare catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.

A catch counts for the manufacturer Mcdonnell Douglas, the MD-80 family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.

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