Boeing 717-200 vs. McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30

The Boeing 717-200 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner designed for regional and short to medium-haul routes. Characterized by its efficiency and operational flexibility, it caters to airlines requiring a reliable and cost-effective solution for less dense routes. Developed as a part of the Boeing family, the 717-200 first entered service in 1998, marking Boeing's entry into the regional jet market. It was produced until 2006, with a focus on meeting the specific demands of regional air travel. The aircraft's production history reflects Boeing's strategy to offer a range of jetliners tailored to various market segments.

With dimensions of 37.8 meters (124.0 feet) in length and a wingspan of 28.5 meters (93.3 feet), the 717-200 is ideally sized for operations at smaller airports. It typically accommodates 110 passengers, providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience on regional journeys. Powered by two rear-mounted Rolls-Royce BR715 engines, the Boeing 717-200 delivers a total thrust of 190.0 kN (42,800 lbf). Its fuel capacity of 16,670 liters (4,404 US gallons) supports a range of 3,815 kilometers (2,060 nautical miles), making it suitable for various regional routes. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 822 km/h (511 mph).

In the competitive regional jet market, the Boeing 717-200 stands as a contender against models like the Bombardier CRJ Series and Embraer E-Jets. Its introduction provided airlines with a practical and economical option for regional networks, balancing the needs for capacity, range, and cost-efficiency. Airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, and QantasLink have utilized the 717-200 for its operational efficiency and adaptability. Not many 717s are still in service today. Delta is one of the last airlines to be phasing out its own fleet.

The Boeing 717-200's legacy in commercial aviation is defined by its role in regional air travel. While its production has concluded, the 717-200 continues to be recognized for its contribution to the regional aviation segment.

The McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30, is a wide-body trijet airliner designed for long-haul commercial flights. As a member of the DC-10 series, the DC-10-30 was developed to extend the range and capacity of its predecessors, meeting the growing demands of global air travel. The -10-30 was a later, longer range model, and turned out to be the most variant produced. In addition to being a popular passenger aircraft, the DC-10 was also extensively used in the freight industry during its peak.

One of the DC-10's most distinctive features is its three engine configuration, with two engines mounted under the wings and a third engine at the base of the vertical stabilizer. This design was a key differentiator from other wide-body airliners of its time, such as the Boeing 747. The DC-9 made its first flight on August 29, 1970, and was introduced to the commercial aviation market on August 5, 1971 with American Airlines.

Measuring 55.4 meters (181.6 feet) in length, the DC-10-30 was among the larger aircraft of its time, capable of operating on transatlantic and transpacific routes. The aircraft features a wingspan of 50.4 meters (165.3 feet), which supports its long-range flight capabilities and stability at high altitudes. Equipped to hold over 137,500 liters (36,320 US gallons) of fuel, the DC-10-30 was designed for extended range missions, offering a maximum range of 9,600 kilometers (5,184 nautical miles). This capability enabled airlines to operate non-stop intercontinental flights over vast distances. The aircraft's propulsion system consists of 3 GE CF6-50C engines capable of delivering a combined thrust of 680.6 kN (102,000 lbf), providing the power needed for long-haul flights carrying a full complement of passengers and cargo. The DC-10-30's cruise speed of 908 km/h (564 mph) further underscores its efficiency in covering great distances swiftly.

The typical configuration for the DC-10-30 seats up to 270 passengers. Some airliners opted for higher density layouts including 3-4-2, 2-5-2, and 3-3-3. In the market for wide-body aircraft, the McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30 competed with other long-range airliners like the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and the Boeing 747. The DC-10-30's introduction was a significant contribution to the wide-body aircraft segment, providing airlines with a versatile option for long-haul, high-capacity routes. Prominent operators of the DC-10-30 included airlines such as Continental Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Northwest Airlines. Other notable carriers were KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Lufthansa, and Malaysia Airlines.

The McDonnel Douglas DC-10-30's production and operational history reflect its role as a key player in the evolution of long-haul air travel. Its design, performance, and capacity made it a vital asset in the fleets of global airlines, contributing to the expansion and accessibility of international air travel during a critical period of growth in commercial aviation.