Rotate's McDonnell Douglas MD-80 The Douglas 'Mad Dog'

摘要

Following the success of the Douglas DC-9, rising fuel prices and stricter noise regulations, created a demand for a more fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft. This led McDonnell Douglas to develop a more advanced MD-80. The catalyst for launching the MD-80 family was the introduction of the more powerful and efficient Pratt & Whitney (P&W) JT8D-200 high-bypass turbofans. It was officially announced in 1977 - following an order for 15 aircraft from launch customer, Swissair. The type was known as the 'Mad Dog' by its crew and like its predecessors, it was a single-aisle narrow-body aircraft, with five abreast seating, designed for short-haul flights.