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Boeing 787-8 vs. McDonnell Douglas MD-11

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787-8

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MD-11

Price (USD)
$224 Million$75 Million
First Flight
20091990
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
56 m186 ft
61 m202 ft
Wingspan
60 m197 ft
52 m170 ft
Wing Area
377 m²4,058 ft²
338 m²3,647 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
6 m19 ft
Height
16 m55 ft
17.7m 57 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
227,900 kg502,433 lbs
273,294 kg602,510 lbs
Number of Engines
23
Engine Options
General Electric GEnx / Rolls-Royce Trent 1000General Electric CF6 / Pratt & Whitney 4000
Max Thrust Per Engine
280 kN64,000 lbf
274 kN61,500 lbf
Max Total Thrust
560 kN128,000 lbf
822 kN123,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
126,200 l33,339 gal
146,173 l38,615 gal
Range
13,620 km7,354 nm
12,455 km6,725 nm
Cruise Speed
903 km/h561 mph
876 km/h544 mph
Typical Seating
242 pax298 pax
Max Seating
381 pax410 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Boeing 787-8 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Size Comparison

  • At 61.60 meters, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is 4.90 meters longer than the Boeing 787-8.
  • With a wingspan of 60.10 meters, the Boeing 787-8 is 8.10 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Boeing 787-8 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 have heights of 16.90 meters and 17.70 meters respectively - making the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 0.80 meters taller.

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Range

  • Boeing 787-8’s range of 13,620 kilometers is greater than McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s range of 12,455 kilometers. Therefore, the Boeing 787-8 can fly nonstop approximately 1,165 kilometers further.
  • The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can hold 38,615 gallons of fuel, which is 5,276 gallons more than the Boeing 787-8’s tank capacity of 33,339 gallons.

Boeing 787-8 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can accommodate 298 passengers, which is about 56 passengers more than Boeing 787-8’s seating capacity.
  • The McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s max seating capacity is 410 passengers, compared to 381 passengers of the Boeing 787-8.

About the Boeing 787-8

The Boeing 787-8, as the first variant of the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner series, marked a new chapter in commercial aviation when it took to the skies in 2009. This modern wide-body twinjet made its introduction into commercial aviation in 2011 with All Nippon Airways. Since then, the entire Dreamliner family has been pivotal for efficient, point-to-point routes.

Spanning 56.7 meters (186.1 feet) in length with a wingspan of 60.1 meters (197.2 feet), the 787-8 is distinguished by its sleek and aerodynamic design. The aircraft boasts a wing area of 377.0 square meters (4058.0 square feet), which plays a critical role in its fuel-efficient performance. One of the most notable features of the 787-8 is its extensive use of composite materials, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer, accounting for a significant portion of its primary structure. This use of advanced materials results in a lighter airframe, leading to reductions in fuel consumption and operational costs, while also enhancing structural strength and durability. From the outside, 787s are discernible by their rounded noses, raked wingtips, and engine chevrons (serrated edges).

Equipped with either General Electric GEnx or Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, the 787-8 offers a total maximum thrust of 560.0 kN (128,000 lbf). These engines, combined with the aircraft's optimized aerodynamics, enable it to achieve a range of approximately 13,620 kilometers (7,354 nautical miles). This extended range, coupled with its fuel efficiency, makes the 787-8 a viable option for airlines to operate long-haul flights with lower environmental impact.

Inside, the Boeing 787-8 typically seats 242 passengers in a standard three-class configuration, but it can accommodate up to 381 passengers in a high-density setup. The cabin of the 787-8 has been designed with passenger comfort at its core, featuring larger windows that are electronically dimmable, higher humidity levels, and a lower cabin altitude pressure. These features significantly enhance the passenger experience, particularly on long-duration flights, by reducing fatigue and improving overall comfort.

The 787-8 competes in the commercial aviation market with aircraft such as the Airbus A330-900neo. Its introduction was a strategic move by Boeing to provide airlines with an aircraft that combines operational efficiency with advanced passenger comfort amenities. The aircraft's innovative design and environmental considerations have made it a preferred choice for various airlines, including All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, and LATAM Chile. These carriers have utilized the 787-8's capabilities to effectively serve a broad range of international and transcontinental routes.

The development and deployment of the Boeing 787-8 have been characterized by a shift towards more sustainable and efficient air travel. Its use of cutting-edge materials, coupled with state-of-the-art systems, represents a significant advancement in aircraft design. As a result, the 787-8 has set new standards in terms of operational efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort, thereby playing a pivotal role in the evolution of modern long-haul aviation.

About the McDonnell Douglas MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a wide-body, tri-jet airliner, recognized for its extended range and enhanced capabilities in long-haul commercial aviation. As a successor to the iconic DC-10, the MD-11 incorporated advanced technology and design improvements, making it a significant model in the evolution of wide-body aircraft. The MD-11 took its maiden flight in 1990, and was produced until the turn of the 21st century. There are no MD-11s servicing passenger flights today, but some MD-11 are still being used for freight operations with FedEx, UPS, and Western Global Airlines.

With a length of 61.6 meters (202.1 feet), the MD-11 is notably longer than the DC-10, which provided increased passenger and cargo capacity. This extension in length was complemented by a wingspan of 52.0 meters (170.5 feet), which included winglets for improved aerodynamic efficiency. The MD-11's was equipped with GE CF6-80C2s or PW4000 turbofan engines, which delivered a total maximum thrust of 822.0 kN (123,000 lbf). With a substantial fuel capacity of 146,173 liters (38,615 US gallons), the MD-11 boasts a range of approximately 12,455 kilometers (6,725 nautical miles), enabling it to operate on intercontinental routes with ease.

The MD-11 comfortably accommodated 298 passengers, and could be designed to fit over 340 in a higher density configuration. The most common configurations for the twin aisle jet included 9 seats to a row (3-3-3 or 3-4-2).

In the competitive landscape of long-haul airliners, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was positioned as an alternative to models like the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. By 2004, most carriers that utilized the MD-11 for long-haul passenger routes had replaced it with the Airbus A330, A340, and Boeing 777. When Boeing acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, it ultimately created internal competition for the MD-11 with the 767 and 777. A lack of interest from the market also lead to Boeing cutting production for the commercial variant short, while the freight version was continued for slightly longer.

KLM, Swissair, and Delta Air Lines were among the airlines who utilized the aircraft's range and capacity to expand their international route offerings. The MD-11's operational role was characterized by its ability to efficiently serve long-haul routes, offering a blend of passenger comfort and operational economics. Some airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Korean Air had converted their MD-11 aircraft into freighters rather than selling or retiring them.

The MD-11's production and service history reflect its role as a pivotal model in the wide-body aircraft segment. Its design and technological advancements, including the use of winglets and a glass cockpit, marked important steps in the advancement of commercial aircraft design. Although its production was eventually surpassed by more modern aircraft, the MD-11 remains a notable aircraft in the history of aviation, particularly for its contributions to long-haul air travel.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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