Boeing MD-90

Boeing MD-90

The Boeing MD-90 is an advanced mid-size, medium-range airliner that serves the needs of travelers and airlines today and well into the 21st century. The aircraft, one of the quietest large commercial jetliners in the skies, belongs to the twinjet family of aircraft that started with the DC-9 and includes the Boeing 717 and MD-80.

Following its launch in November 1989, the MD-90 first flew on February 22, 1993. After FAA certification in late 1994, the first delivery was made to launch customer Delta Air Lines in February 1995. The aircraft entered revenue service in April 1995.

The MD-90 was designed to be technically and economically competitive by incorporating many cost-effective technologies. It offers an advanced flight deck, including an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS), a full flight management system (FMS), a state-of-the-art inertial reference system, and LED dot-matrix displays for engine and system monitoring.

The MD-90 is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500 engines designed to be more fuel efficient as well as environmentally friendly by greatly reducing emission and noise levels.

The MD-90 retains the popular five-abreast interior arrangement and offers travelers high comfort levels and low interior noise levels. The passenger-pleasing innovation features wide seats, fewer center seats and more aisle and window seats.

Other features of the MD-90 include an advanced interior design, vacuum lavatories, new electrical and auxiliary power systems, an upgraded digital environmental control system, lightweight carbon brakes with digital anti-skid system, and significant improvements to the aircraft hydraulic system.

The MD-90 has an overall length of 152 feet, 7 inches (46.5 m) and a wing span of 107 feet, 10 inches (32.87 m). The fuselage provides a cargo volume of 1,300 cubic feet (36.8 cu m). Long-range cruising speed is Mach 0.76, or approximately 500 mph (812 km/hr).

The MD-90-30, with a maximum takeoff gross weight of 156,000 pounds (70,760 kg), will carry 155 passengers, in a typical mixed-class interior arrangement, approximately 2,400 statute miles. The MD-90-30ER increases the maximum gross weight to 166,000 pounds, providing a range increase to 2,500 statute miles, or, with the addition of a 565-gallon auxiliary fuel tank, an increase to 2,750 statute miles.

With a takeoff thrust of 25,000 pounds, the MD-90-30 can use runways as short as 5,000 feet (1,524 m) on a typical 550-statute-mile (885 km) operation with a full passenger load. At the maximum takeoff gross weight, the MD-90-30 requires only 7,100 feet (2,165 m) of runway. A 28,000-pound optional takeoff thrust rating is available for operators in need of special takeoff performance.