Mid Size Passenger Jets
McDonnell Douglas MD-90
ICAO: MD90
Overview
The McDonnell Douglas DC-8-73 was part of the Super 70 series, incorporating more efficient engines. Introduced in the 1980s, it extended the operational life of earlier DC-8 airframes. The aircraft served in passenger and cargo roles.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 4 × CFM 56-2 C6
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 4 × 22,000 lbf · 98 kN
- Avionics
- Dual Collins VHF 21D, HF 628T-1 , TDR-94D
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 259
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 11 ft 6 in · 3.50 m
- Cabin height
- 7 ft 3 in · 2.21 m
- Cabin length
- 164 ft 1 in · 50.00 m
- Exterior length
- 187 ft 0 in · 57.00 m
- Tail height
- 43 ft 0 in · 13.10 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 12 ft 3 in · 3.74 m
- Wing span
- 142 ft 5 in · 43.40 m
- Baggage volume
- 2,472 ft³ · 70.0 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 355,000 lb · 161,000 kg
- Max landing weight
- 275,000 lb · 124,500 kg
- Max payload
- 107,500 lb · 48,800 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 24,250 gal · 91,800 L · 73,500 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 488 kt · 562 mph · 904 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- 145 kt · 167 mph · 269 km/h
- Range
- 4,500 nm · 5,180 mi · 8,330 km
- Fuel burn
- —
- Ceiling
- 42,000 ft · 12,800 m
- Rate of climb
- 2,200 ft/min · 11 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 10,000 ft · 3,050 m
- Landing distance
- 6,550 ft · 2,000 m
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Operational Context
McDonnell Douglas DC-8-73 — re-engined narrow-body jetliner
The DC-8-73 entered service in the early 1980s as part of the Super 70 upgrade program. Older DC-8 aircraft were retrofitted with new high-bypass engines and updated systems. The aircraft retained its long, narrow fuselage and swept wing.
Powered by four CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each, the DC-8-73 cruised at around 460 knots (852 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 350,000 pounds (158,757 kg). Passenger capacity varied depending on configuration, with many aircraft later used for cargo operations.
The Super 70 upgrades improved fuel efficiency and noise performance. Many DC-8-73 aircraft continued operating for decades after introduction. The variant represents the final major evolution of the DC-8 family.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.