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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ม.ค. 2025
- The *McDonnell Douglas MD-90* is a mid-size, twin-engine, single-aisle commercial jet airliner developed by **McDonnell Douglas**. It was the final variant in the MD-80 series, which was a family of aircraft widely used by airlines around the world.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the MD-90:
1. *Development and Design*
The MD-90 was introduced as an update to the MD-80 series. It was developed to provide improved fuel efficiency, performance, and lower operating costs compared to the MD-80.
The aircraft first flew in 1993 and entered commercial service in 1995.
It was designed to meet the growing demand for short to medium-haul flights, with a seating capacity of around 153 to 172 passengers depending on the airline’s seating configuration.
The MD-90 was designed to be quieter and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors.
2. *Key Features*
*Engines**: The MD-90 is powered by **CFM56-5B engines* (the same as those used on the Airbus A320), which are more fuel-efficient and quieter than the engines used in the earlier MD-80 series. These engines provide better fuel economy and reduce emissions, which was an important consideration as airlines looked for more environmentally-friendly options.
**Length**: The MD-90 has a length of about 42.5 meters (139 feet), which makes it slightly longer than the MD-80 series.
**Wingspan**: Its wingspan is 32.9 meters (108 feet).
**Cabin**: The cabin of the MD-90 is typically configured in a 2-3 layout in economy class, allowing for a high passenger capacity in a relatively short aircraft.
3. *Performance*
The MD-90 has a cruising speed of approximately *0.78 Mach* (about 514 mph or 828 km/h), which is typical for airliners of its size.
It has a maximum range of about *2,600 nautical miles* (around 4,800 km), making it suitable for medium-haul routes.
The aircraft's operating ceiling is **37,000 feet**.
4. *Operations and Popularity*
The MD-90 was primarily used by U.S.-based airlines, including Delta Air Lines, which was one of the largest operators of the MD-90.
It was intended as a competitor to other aircraft in the same size class, such as the *Boeing 737* and **Airbus A320**.
However, despite the improved performance, the MD-90 never gained as much popularity as its competitors. The market shift towards the newer generation of aircraft like the Boeing 737 Next Generation and the Airbus A320 family led to relatively low production numbers.
Only *116 MD-90s* were built before production ended in 2000.
5. *Retirement*
The MD-90 was gradually phased out from airline fleets as airlines upgraded to newer models with better fuel efficiency, more advanced technology, and greater passenger capacity.
As of today, only a few MD-90s remain in service with specialized carriers or for cargo operations.
6. *Legacy*
While the MD-90 didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as other aircraft in its class, it was an important part of the McDonnell Douglas family and served as a stepping stone toward more advanced designs, such as the *MD-11* and *Boeing 717* (a later rebranding of the MD-95).
The aircraft is also known for being one of the last designs produced by McDonnell Douglas before it merged with Boeing in 1997.
In summary, the MD-90 was a versatile and modernized version of the earlier MD-80, with improved engines, better fuel efficiency, and quieter performance, but it ultimately didn’t achieve the widespread success that its competitors like the Boeing 737 did. The *American Airlines MD-90* refers to the fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-90 aircraft that was operated by American Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States. American Airlines was a significant operator of the MD-90, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Below is a detailed explanation of American Airlines' use of the MD-90:
