McDonnell Douglas was an American aerospace company that produced a range of commercial airliners, including the DC series like the DC-10. Their aircrafts were known for their reliability and versatility especially in the commercial cargo space.

Models

MD-11

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, developed in the late 1980s as a modernized successor to the DC-10, was the company's final major commercial airliner before merging with Boeing. Retaining the trijet layout with a tail-mounted engine, twin underwing engines, and a stretched fuselage, it introduced winglets, aerodynamic refinements, and an advanced digital flight deck. Positioned to compete with the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340, the MD-11 saw limited success as a passenger aircraft due to performance and economic drawbacks, but it excelled in cargo operations thanks to its large payload, long range, and efficiency. Production ended in 2001, yet the aircraft remains a staple in global freight fleets, highlighting its lasting value in cargo service.

DC-10

The DC-10 was McDonnell Douglas's first wide-body trijet, featuring two underwing engines and a tail-mounted third engine. Designed for long-haul routes, it offered high passenger capacity and range. Despite early design issues, it became a reliable aircraft for airlines, especially in cargo operations. Its legacy includes military variants like the KC-10 and the MD-11, with many DC-10s still flying as freighters, underscoring its lasting impact on long-haul aviation.

MD-81

The MD-81 was the first member of McDonnell Douglas's MD-80 series, evolving from the DC-9 with a longer fuselage, T-tail, and rear-mounted engines. Equipped with quieter, more efficient Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, it offered greater passenger capacity while remaining suitable for airports with strict noise limits. Widely adopted by major airlines like American and Delta, it became a staple for medium-density routes. Even after production ceased in the 1990s, many MD-81s remained in service for decades thanks to their reliability and cost-effectiveness.