The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 is a short-fuselage variant of the legendary MD-80 series, designed for high-frequency, short-to-medium haul routes. Manufactured by McDonnell Douglas in the 1980s and early 1990s, the MD-87 combined compact size, strong runway performance, and reliable Pratt & Whitney engines to serve airlines around the world.
McDonnell Douglas MD-87
The MD-87 is part of the popular MD-80 family, itself a stretched and modernized evolution of the DC-9. Unlike the longer MD-81/82/83 models, the MD-87 features a shorter fuselage, making it ideal for routes with lower passenger demand while maintaining similar range and performance.
Key Highlights:
First flight: 1987
Entry into service: 1988
Typical seating: 109–130 passengers
Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200 series
Range: Approx. 2,370 nautical miles (4,390 km)
The aircraft’s reduced length allowed airlines to operate efficiently on thinner routes without sacrificing the reliability of the MD-80 platform.
Development History
The MD-87 was developed during a competitive era for narrow-body jets. As airlines demanded flexibility and fuel efficiency, McDonnell Douglas introduced the MD-87 as a response to smaller-capacity market needs.
The aircraft entered service with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and quickly gained popularity in Europe and North America. It was produced between 1987 and 1992, with over 75 units built.
In 1997, McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, which later phased out the MD-80 family in favor of the more modern Boeing 737 series.
Technical Specifications of the MD-87
Here are the core technical details aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals frequently search for:
Specification
Detail
Length
130 ft 5 in (39.75 m)
Wingspan
107 ft 10 in (32.88 m)
Height
30 ft 6 in (9.3 m)
Maximum Takeoff Weight
140,000 lb (63,500 kg)
Cruise Speed
Mach 0.76 (approx. 811 km/h)
Maximum Range
~2,370 nautical miles
Engines
2 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-217C/219
The rear-mounted engines reduce cabin noise levels at the front of the aircraft and provide excellent runway performance, especially in hot and high airports.
Cabin and Passenger Experience
The MD-87 typically features a 2-3 seating configuration in economy class, similar to other aircraft in the MD-80 family. Due to its shorter fuselage, the cabin feels slightly more intimate compared to the MD-82 or MD-83.
Passengers often note:
Quiet front cabin sections
Narrow but comfortable seats
Efficient boarding due to rear stair options (on some configurations)
Although modern aircraft now offer better fuel efficiency and updated cabin systems, the MD-87 was considered comfortable and reliable during its peak years.
Operational Strengths
The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 became popular because of several operational advantages:
1. Strong Field Performance
The JT8D-200 engines provide strong thrust, making the aircraft well-suited for:
Short runways
High-altitude airports
Hot climate operations
2. Fleet Commonality
Airlines operating other MD-80 variants benefited from:
Shared pilot type ratings
Similar maintenance procedures
Common spare parts
3. Ideal for Medium-Density Routes
With seating around 120 passengers, the MD-87 perfectly filled the gap between regional jets and larger narrow-body aircraft.
Airlines That Operated the MD-87
Several major airlines operated the MD-87 over its lifetime, including:
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Iberia
American Airlines
Finnair
Austrian Airlines
In later years, many MD-87 aircraft were converted into firefighting air tankers due to their robust airframe and performance characteristics.
Why the MD-87 Was Retired
By the 2010s, rising fuel costs and stricter environmental regulations made older JT8D-powered aircraft less economical. Airlines gradually replaced the MD-87 with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft such as:
Boeing 737 Next Generation
Airbus A320 family
Despite retirement from most passenger operations, some MD-87 aircraft continue serving in specialized roles like aerial firefighting.
Legacy of the McDonnell Douglas MD-87
The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 holds an important place in aviation history. It demonstrated how airlines could optimize fleet flexibility without investing in entirely new aircraft platforms.
Though production numbers were relatively modest, the MD-87 proved to be:
Durable
Operationally flexible
Reliable across diverse climates
For aviation enthusiasts, the distinctive T-tail and rear-mounted engines remain iconic features of this classic narrow-body jet.
Conclusion
The McDonnell Douglas MD-87 represents a transitional era in commercial aviation — bridging the gap between early jetliners and modern, fuel-efficient narrow-body aircraft. While no longer a common sight in commercial service, its influence and reliability ensure it remains a respected aircraft among pilots, airlines, and aviation historians alike.
If you're researching MD-87 specifications, performance, or history, this aircraft stands as a testament to the engineering legacy of McDonnell Douglas and the evolution of short-to-medium haul aviation.
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