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Airbus A340-200 vs. McDonnell Douglas MD-11

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A340-200

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MD-11

Price (USD)
$105 Million$75 Million
First Flight
19921990
Body Type
Wide-bodyWide-body
Length
59 m194 ft
61 m202 ft
Wingspan
60 m197 ft
52 m170 ft
Wing Area
361 m²3,892 ft²
338 m²3,647 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
6 m19 ft
Height
16 m55 ft
17.7m 57 ft
Max Takeoff Weight
275,000 kg606,271 lbs
273,294 kg602,510 lbs
Number of Engines
43
Engine Options
CFMI CFM56General Electric CF6 / Pratt & Whitney 4000
Max Thrust Per Engine
150 kN34,000 lbf
274 kN61,500 lbf
Max Total Thrust
600 kN136,000 lbf
822 kN123,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
155,040 l40,957 gal
146,173 l38,615 gal
Range
12,400 km6,695 nm
12,455 km6,725 nm
Cruise Speed
870 km/h541 mph
876 km/h544 mph
Typical Seating
250 pax298 pax
Max Seating
420 pax410 pax

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A340-200 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11

Airbus A340-200 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Size Comparison

  • At 61.60 meters, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is 2.20 meters longer than the Airbus A340-200.
  • With a wingspan of 60.30 meters, the Airbus A340-200 is 8.30 meters wider from wingtip to wingtip.
  • The Airbus A340-200 and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 have heights of 16.80 meters and 17.70 meters respectively - making the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 0.90 meters taller.

Airbus A340-200 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Range

  • McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s range of 12,455 kilometers is greater than Airbus A340-200’s range of 12,400 kilometers. Therefore, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can fly nonstop approximately 55 kilometers further.
  • The Airbus A340-200 can hold 40,957 gallons of fuel, which is 2,342 gallons more than the McDonnell Douglas MD-11’s tank capacity of 38,615 gallons.

Airbus A340-200 vs McDonnell Douglas MD-11 Seating

  • In a typical seating configuration, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 can accommodate 298 passengers, which is about 48 passengers more than Airbus A340-200’s seating capacity.
  • The Airbus A340-200’s max seating capacity is 420 passengers, compared to 410 passengers of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

About the Airbus A340-200

The Airbus A340-200 is a long-range, wide-body aircraft, part of the A340 family known for its four-engine configuration. Introduced in 1992, the quadjet was designed to meet the demands of long-haul flights. The A340-200 has a longer wingspan (60.3 meters) than length (59.4 meters). The -200 version of the A340 has typical seating capacity for 250 passengers in a standard layout and a maximum capacity of 420 passengers.

Equipped with four engines that provide 136,000 pounds of thrust (600 kN), the A340-200 is recognized for its ability to cover significant distances, with a range of 6,695 nautical miles (12,400 kilometers). The aircraft's fuel capacity of 155,040 liters (40,957 US gallons) contributes to its long-range capabilities, making it suitable for routes such as transatlantic and transpacific flights. The aircraft's spacious cabin offers comfort for passengers on long-haul journeys, and its four-engine design provides additional reliability over vast oceanic and remote areas.

Competing with models like the Boeing 777-200ER, the A340-200 offered airlines a long-range option with a unique four-engine configuration. Its role in commercial aviation has been defined by its capacity to serve long-distance routes with a medium passenger load, meeting the needs of airlines for intercontinental travel.

The Airbus A340-200 has been operated by airlines such as Lufthansa and Air France, serving as a key component in their long-haul fleets. Only a small number of the -200 remain in service today. Additionally, it turned out that the -300 and -600 versions of the A340 were much more popular.

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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